(If you haven’t seen the video at the top of the page, take five minutes and watch it.)
“On November 10, 1775, the Continental Congress approved the resolution to establish two battalions of Marines able to fight for independence at sea and on shore. This date marks the official formation of the Continental Marines.”
1st Commandant: Major Samuel Nicholas (1775-1783)
From its founding days before the Revolution to today’s ongoing operations in Afghanistan, Iraq and other deadly places around the world, the Marine Corps has unblinkingly answered the clarion call whenever the nation needed protectors. More than those serving in any other service, I think, Marines feel a sense of connection to their predecessors who served in earlier conflicts, creating an unbroken chain of camaraderie that stretches all the way back to Tun Tavern 241 years ago.
(USMC photo)
It is a closed club. Only those who wear the eagle, globe and anchor – and their families – are allowed in the door. Those of us on the outside can only look in the window and admire from afar.
Yet there is comfort in knowing that they are there and always will be, ready to answer the call once again.
Happy birthday, Marines, and Semper Fidelis.
