Marine Corps Celebrates Birthday

During the American Revolution in Philadelphia, many political discussions took place, including the founding of the Marine Corps. According to the Marines Web site , a committee of the Continental Congress met at Tun Tavern to draft a resolution calling for two battalions of Marines able to fight for independence at sea and on shore. The resolution was approved on November 10, 1775, officially forming the Continental Marines. 

Tuesday is the 234th birthday of the Corps, and events are planned for around the country. The main event to mark the birthday though is the annual Marine Corps Birthday Ball , which was first formally held in 1925. It will be held Saturday in National Harbor, Md.

A Marines Web site says that the annual Birthday Ball has grown and some things have become standard. In 1952 General Lemuel C. Shepherd Jr. formalized the cake-cutting ceremony. Marine Corps policy now mandates that the first piece of cake must be presented to the oldest U.S. Marine present and the second piece goes to the youngest Marine.

At every Marine Corps location around the world before the birthday cake is cut, it is tradition to read a 1921 birthday message by Lieutenant General John Archer Lejeune . Lejeune, known as the "greatest of all Leathernecks" and the "Marine's Marine," served for over 40 years, including leading a Army Division during World War I.

The order begins, "On November 10, 1775, a Corps of Marines was created by a resolution of Continental Congress. Since that date many thousand men have borne the name 'Marine.' In memory of them it is fitting that we who are Marines should commemorate the birthday of our corps by calling to mind the glories of its long and illustrious history. "

In a birthday video produced by the Corps, one Marine summed up what it means to be a Marine. "Our distinction is our ability to endure hardship and that is ingrained immediately from the moment you step into boot camp" said Sgt. John Rice .

A common saying about the Marines that has been attributed to President Ronald Reagan is "Some people spend an entire lifetime wondering if they made a difference in the world.  But the Marines don't have that problem."

On Tuesday Air Force leaders posted birthday congratulations to the Marines. Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Scwhartz wrote, "We celebrate the culture that the 'leathernecks' embody -- honor, courage and commitment."

Current enrollment numbers list just over 203,000 active duty Marines and just under 40,000 reserve Marines.