Veteran's Day and Marine Corps Birthday

Happy Veterans Day to All Vets.

Originally today was Armistice Day, commemorating the signing of the agreement that ended World War I at 11:00 A.M., November 11, 1918. This federal holiday was changed to Veterans Day in 1954. At that time, it became a day to honor all the men and women who have served in the armed forces of the United States.


And Yesterday, was the official birthday of the United States Marine Corps.
Happy Birthday My Fellow Marines.

November 10, was when the Second Continental Congress decreed: “That two battalions of Marines be raised consisting of one Colonel, two lieutenant-colonels, two majors and other officers, as usual in other regiments; that they consist of an equal number of privates as with other battalions, that particular care be taken that no persons be appointed to offices, or enlisted into said battalions, but such as are good seamen, or so acquainted with maritime affairs as to be able to serve for and during the present war with Great Britain and the Colonies; unless dismissed by Congress; that they be distinguished by the names of the First and Second Battalions of Marines. ”Tun Tavern is regarded as the location of the first Marines to enlist under Commandant Samuel Nicholas. When the Revolutionary War ended in 1783, the Continental Navy was disestablished, and with it, the Continental Marines. The Corps was re-established on 11 July 1798, when the "act for establishing and organizing a Marine Corps" was signed by President John Adams.

Prior to 1921, Marines celebrated the recreation of the Corps on 11 July with little pomp or pagentry. On October 21, 1921, Major Edwin McClellan, in charge the Corps' only historical section, sent a memorandum to Commandant John A. Lejeune, suggesting the Marines’ original birthday of November 10 be declared a Marine Corps holiday to be celebrated throughout the Corps.

The celebrations were formalized and standardized by Commandant Lemuel C. Shepherd, Jr. in 1952, outlining the cake cutting ceremony, which would enter the Marine Drill Manual in 1956. By tradition, the first slice of cake is given to the oldest Marine present, who in turn hands it off to the youngest Marine present, symbolizing the old and experienced Marines passing their knowledge to the new generation of Marines. The celebration also includes a reading of Marine Corps Order 47, republished every year, as well as a message from the current Commandant, and often includes a banquet and dancing if possible. In many cases, the birthday celebration will also include a pageant of current and historical Marine Corps uniforms, as a reminder of the history of the Corps. Marines are reputed to celebrate the birthday, regardless of where they may be in the world, even in austere environments or combat.


I share my My Deepest Gratitude for all who've served. Thank You.
May you one day realize just how important of a part you play in making history.

Michael A. Cordova