From the NFRW Armed Services Committee

By Christine Benedict, New York

On Friday, November 10, the United States Marine Corps celebrates nearly 250 years of service. Established on November 10, 1775, the USMC — known then as the Continental Marines — was created in accordance with the Continental Marine Act of 1775.

Captain Samuel Nicholas set up the recruiting headquarters at the Tun Tavern in Pennsylvania, which is now considered the birthplace of the Marines. The Continental Marines were abolished following the Revolutionary War. In 1798, they were reinstated as the “United States Marine Corps.”

The USMC has been involved in every conflict since the Battle of Nassau in 1776, according to Britannica. It also has conducted more than 300 landings on foreign shores and served in every major U.S. naval action since 1775.

Initially, the Corps’ birthday was celebrated in July. The date was permanently changed in 1921 to commemorate its establishment.

Every year, a Birthday Ball is hosted in Washington D.C. It culminates with a cake cutting. This year, the 248th Marine Corps Birthday Ball will take place on Veterans Day.