Happy Birthday, United States Marine Corps

By Carmelo Turdo

Happy birthday, United States Marine Corps!  The exerpt below from The United States Marine Corps website describes the founding of the Marines November 10, 1775:

1775: Founding of the Marine Corps

"A legacy is born.  During the American Revolution, many important political discussions took place in the inns and taverns of Philadelphia, including the founding of the Marine Corps.

"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.  As the first order of business, Samuel Nicholas became Commandant of the newly formed Marines. Tun Tavern’s owner and popular patriot, Robert Mullan, became his first captain and recruiter. They began gathering support and were ready for action by early 1776.

"Each year, the Marine Corps marks November 10th with a celebration of the brave spirit which compelled these men and thousands since to defend our country as United States Marines."