When is Marine Corps Birthday?
November 10th is the U.S. Marine Corps Birthday.
What is Marine Corps Birthday?
The Marines are the landing force of the U.S. military, the first to hit the beaches and pave a way. To honor the bravery and fortitude of our nation’s Marines, the Marine Corps Birthday celebrates the institution of the United States Marine Corps (USMC).
Local governments, military bases, and civic organizations use this day to throw birthday bashes for the USMC. The highlight for many is the Marine Corps Birthday Ball, which involves a cake cutting performed with a Mameluke sword—the traditional USMC officer sword, a stainless steel blade with a 24-carat gold-plated guard.
On November 10th, 1775, Congress passed a resolution to keep a standing Marine Corps force, and we herald this as the birthday of the United States Marine Corps (USMC). But congress neglected the upkeep of the Naval Service (Navy plus Marine Corps), so the Marine Corps had disappeared by 1785. Thankfully, Congress brought the Marine Corps back in 1794.
Fun facts about Marine Corps Birthday!
There were 220,000 Marines as of 2018.
The Marine Corps is considered its own branch, but it’s technically part of the U.S. Department of the Navy.
“Chesty” is an English bulldog and the mascot for the Marine Corps. He’s named for Lt. Gen. Louis B. “Chesty” Puller, the only Marine ever to earn five Navy Crosses.
While opinion differs on why this is true, Marines did not participate in the Normandy Invasion.
The name “jarhead” is a reference to the high-and-tight haircuts of Marines.
How to celebrate Marine Corps Birthday:
Send a thank you letter or email to a Marine Corps veteran or active service member.
Attend a birthday party for the Marine Corps, either an informal get-together or an official commemorative event.
Research Marine Corps history. Read stories about the Marine Corps’ involvement in modern American warfare.
What’s the hashtag for Marine Corps Birthday?
Use #MarineCorpsBirthday on social media to honor the Marine Corps.