Happy 246th Birthday U.S. Marine Corps

On 10 November 1970, Commandant Chapman challenged all Marines, active and inactive, young and old, deployed or recently returned from combat, “not to look back, but instead, to look to the future.” He insisted that we celebrate our anniversary, “not as an end of almost two centuries of dedicated service, but as preparation for new service, new dedication, and new achievement.” Those sage words resonate … Continue reading Happy 246th Birthday U.S. Marine Corps

At the Marine Corps birthday ball, the reading of General Lejeune's message

Things To Know Before Attending the 2018 Marine Corps Birthday Ball

Let’s imagine you’ve been invited to attend the 2018 Marine Corps Birthday Ball— and it will be your first one. First things first, if you were invited your answer should be “yes” unless you’ve already got plans to be out of the country on that day (and if so you may want to consider changing those plans). It’s a big honor to be invited to a Ball and … Continue reading Things To Know Before Attending the 2018 Marine Corps Birthday Ball

Happy 239th Birthday, Marines!

Take a quick moment to watch this year’s birthday message and to reflect on what it means to be a US Marine. May we remember and appreciate the sacrifice and leadership of all our warriors gone before. 239 This year is the 239th Marine Corps Birthday. And it is new Commandant Dunford’s first birthday message to his Marine Corps. “On 10 November each year, wherever … Continue reading Happy 239th Birthday, Marines!

Celebrating the Marine Corps Birthday

The Marine Corps birthday has been celebrated each year since General Lejeune himself instituted the tradition in 1921. On 10 November, 1775, the Continental Congress resolved, “That two Battalions of Marines be raised….” Marines all over the world celebrate the birthday with a ball (as able), cake, and the reading of General Lejeune’s message: HEADQUARTERS U.S. MARINE CORPS Washington, November 1, 1921 (1) On November 10, … Continue reading Celebrating the Marine Corps Birthday