Happy 249th birthday, United States Marine Corps! From the earliest days of the Continental Marines to present-day missions, the Marine Corps continues to stand as a symbol of courage and resilience. Celebrations this year span the globe, highlighting the Corps’ storied past and ongoing commitment to readiness. The Birth of the U.S. Marine Corps On November 10, 1775, the United States Marine Corps was established by the Second Continental Congress, which authorized “two Battalions of Marines” to support and strengthen the U.S. Navy during the Revolutionary War. Captain Samuel Nicholas was appointed to lead recruitment efforts at Philadelphia’s Tun Tavern, a lively tavern and brewery on Water Street that became the iconic birthplace of the Marines. Though the original building is long gone, Tun Tavern holds a special place in Marine Corps history, and a commemorative marker still designates the site as the Marines’ official origin. Though the Marines served valiantly during the...
