Two hundred and thirty-four years ago, Congress – then assembled in Philadelphia – actually came up with a grand idea:
JOURNAL OF THE CONTINENTAL CONGRESS
Friday, November 10, 1775Resolved, That two Battalions of marines be raised, consisting of one Colonel, two Lieutenant Colonels, two Majors, and other officers as usual in other regiments; and that they consist of an equal number of privates with other battalions; that particular care be taken, that no persons be appointed to office, or enlisted into said Battalions, but such as are good seamen, or so acquainted with maritime affairs as to be able to serve to advantage by sea when required; that they be enlisted and commissioned to serve for and during the present war between Great Britain and the colonies, unless dismissed by order of Congress: that they be distinguished by the names of the first and second battalions of American Marines, and that they be considered as part of the number which the continental Army before Boston is ordered to consist of.
Ordered, That a copy of the above be transmitted to the General.
I know, shocka. Wicket shocka.
It may come as no surprise to those who know and love the Corps that the first levy of Marines was drawn at Tun Tavern in Philadelphia, reputedly the source of the best beer in town.
That was then. This is now.
One the 28th of November, 1775, the Navy Chaplain Corps was established in order to encourage Marines to leave Tun Tavern.
Semper fi to all my brothers out there. For your edification, CMC’s annual birthday message for this year is here on YouTube.
Happy Birthday Marines!
Lex, not to nitpick but it’s not “wicket shocka”…that should read “wikkid shawka”. At least where I’m from.
As my old man used to say: “The Army got the mules and the Navy got the Marines. But the Army had first choice.”
oo-rah!
“We” had our celebration last Saturday AM. The oldest and the youngest Marines were not far apart in age, but they gracefully figured out who was who and did the honors. Photgraphic evidence here. Bonus points to the sharp eyed viewers…leave yuor observations there, or here. No prize, just for fun.
XF, Some wild ass guesses/observations…left front corner of the table…looks like a very old, albeit large, log-book, a soft covered smaller book proably about flying, a thermometer or barometer with red ends and that 75 MM shell change holder you mentioned…Best
PS,For the uninformed…a “Slick” or a ” Slick Ship” is a transport Huey (the RVN Jeep) with door gunners located on each side armed with M-60s…many hours and vibrant memories associated with that bird.
Good catch, but that wasn’t the point. Actually, I had brought the book along, the cover is worn, the title pages missing, the publisher and title lost to history, but it is a history of the US Navy, given to me by the neighbor of my old boss, when her father passed. He was a submariner in WWII and had served on a “fresh water submarine.” Tried to meet him before he went, and they always promised to alert me when he’d be in town. The book has some excellent “Old Navy” drawings and pictures. It goes up to WWI, but shows no combat, only mentions the defense levels and troops committed.
Don is a very humble guy, in the midst of mostly all USN/USN Green Team guys 1296 combat hours. found out years later 130 was the record for a year’s flying. The pic is his second time at breakfast with this gang. He has three shoot downs under his belt, and took all his R&R Down Under. I’m sure I’ll be hearing more stories as we get to chat more. He began as a 17 YO enlistee in the 82nd, then WO, then out, got his degree and flew in the USAF (C-141s) so to get out and fly up to the Big Iron. Retired from Delta, and loved every minute of being paid to do what he loved.
Oops…1300 combat hours for guys in UH-1s….
If you were celebrating the Marine Corps Birthday, why were you using a Naval officer’s sword?
In anyt case, Happy Birthday to all Marines. 234 years and still going strong.
Semper Fidelis.
Yep…A CAPT(Ret) had his along…you know, just in case…so as not to not have at least one sword around. We got a chuckle out of it, but, as Marines are want to do, they use what’s handed to them and make it look good!
Happy B’day to the Marines! God Bless all of them!
Our Marine and his “bride” are enjoying this occasion with many of his friends and com padres by Carnival cruising San Diego, Avalon, Ensenada…. and will have their Marine Ball tonight on board.
Last year at this time they all enjoyed a piece of birthday cake together on a cold night in Helmund Province.
From my father-in-law (Retired Seabee Chief):
What “MARINE” really stands for:
Marine’s
Ass
Rides
In
Navy
Equipment
Happy 234th to all my shipmates out there, past and present.
Adonai is Semper Fi.
I heard it was :
My
Ass
Really
Is
Navy
Equipment.
And just as the Marine calls the Sailor a Squid, ( as squids have no backbone ), Sailors call Marines ” Marines “, as they can’t think of anything more derogotory than Marine.
Still, the Marines are the world’s ultimate Light Infantry, and they are OURS! HUZZAH!
BRAVO ZULU USMC, may you be around for another 234. Semper Fi!
The heart of the USMC still beats in this chest.
I consider myself fortunate to have been in the same company as those who have gone before, those who are here and now, and those who shall be.
God Bless the Corps.
S/F
XF, I too was going to mention the sword; it certainly is no Mameluke nor does it appear to be a Marine NCO Sword. It’s still impressive that Marines everywhere continue to uphold such traditions, regardless of assets available.
Happy birthday to all my fellow Leathernecks.
Hey…I grabbed my phone and made sure I had it on record, in case anyone every begins giving anyone crap about being ready for a mission…:)
Read that brief earlier today at work. Can tell that theres no extraneous BS in it, just reality and need to do what they need to do. The last slide is awesome too.
Happy birthday to some true warriors.