U.S. Marines Celebrate 233 Proud Years

The United States Marine Corps traces its institutional roots to the Continental Marines of the American Revolutionary War. The Continental Congress formed the Continental Marines on November 10, 1775, planning to draw them from among Washington's army in Boston and send them to capture supplies from Halifax, Nova Scotia. However, Washington was unenthusiastic about the plan and suggested the Marines be recruited in New York or Philadelphia instead. Captain Samuel Nicholas was commissioned as the Continental Marines' first officer on November 28, 1775. Though legend places its first recruiting post in Philadelphia at the Tun Tavern, Marine historian Edwin Simmons surmises that it was more likely the Conestoga Waggon, a tavern owned by the Nicholas family. Robert Mullen, whose mother owned Tun Tavern, later received a commission in June 1776 and likely used it as his recruiting station.

Today's Marine Corps stands ready to continue in the proud tradition of those who so valiantly fought and died at the likes of Belleau Wood, Iwo Jima, the Chosin Reservoir, and Khe Sanh. Combining a long and proud heritage of faithful service to the nation, with the resolve to face tomorrow's challenges will continue to keep the Marine Corps the very "best of the best."

Sir Winston Churchill, infamous British Prime Minister, became an ardent admirer of the U.S. Marine Corps. In the company of guests of state, he often demonstrated his respect for U.S. Marines by reciting, from memory, all three verses of The Marines' Hymn.

From the Halls of Montezuma

To the Shores of Tripoli

We fight our country's battles

In the air, on land, and sea

First to fight for right and freedom

And to keep our honor clean

We are proud to claim the title of

THE UNITED STATES MARINES

Our flag's unfurled to every breeze

From dawn to setting sun

We have fought in every clime and place

Where we could take a gun

In the snow of far off northern lands

And in sunny tropic scenes

You will find us always on the job

THE UNITED STATES MARINES

Here's health to you and to our Corps

Which we all are proud to serve

In many a strife we've fought for life

And never lost our nerve

If the Army and the Navy

Ever look on Heaven's scenes

They will find the streets are guarded by

THE UNITED STATES MARINES

Happy Birthday and May God Bless The United States Marines

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Happy 230thBirthday to the United States Marine Corps!