U.S. Marine Corps Birthday (November 10): Tun Tavern, Semper Fidelis & 250+ Years of Valor

Every year on November 10, Marines serving on land, at sea, and at American embassies across the globe celebrate the United States Marine Corps Birthday. Commemorating the 1775 resolution of the Continental Congress meeting in Philadelphia to raise two battalions of Continental Marines, this solemn and proud military milestone honors more than two and a half centuries of battlefield valor, elite amphibious readiness, and the unbreakable bond of brotherhood captured in the sacred motto: Semper Fidelis (Always Faithful).

1. Tun Tavern and the Crucible of the American Revolution

On November 10, 1775, the Second Continental Congress in Philadelphia resolved: 'That two Battalions of marines be raised, consisting of one Major, two Lieutenants Colonels, two Majors, and other officers as usual in other regiments; that they be distinguished by the names of the first and second battalions of American Marines.'

Recruiting headquarters were established at Tun Tavern, a popular waterfront tavern on Water Street in Philadelphia managed by Robert Mullan. Captain Samuel Nicholas, a Philadelphia Quaker renowned for his physical prowess and leadership, was commissioned as the senior Marine officer. In March 1776, Nicholas led the Continental Marines in their maiden amphibious assault on the British port of Nassau in the Bahamas, capturing critical stockpiles of gunpowder and cannons for General George Washington's Continental Army without suffering a single fatality.

2. Major General Lejeune's Order No. 47 & The Birthday Ball

While the Marine Corps celebrated its founding informally throughout the 19th century, the modern formal celebration was created in 1921 by the 13th Commandant, Major General John A. Lejeune. Lejeune issued Marine Corps Order No. 47, which mandated that on November 10 of every year, a summary of the history, mission, and sacrifices of the Corps be read to Marines stationed worldwide.

In 1925, the first official Marine Corps Birthday Ball was held in Philadelphia. Today, whether in formal mess dress at grand metropolitan hotels or eating combat rations inside fortified outposts in desert forward bases, the Marine Corps Birthday follows strict, time-honored protocol:

• Reading of Lejeune's Message: Reminding Marines of their sacred covenant with the Constitution and fallen comrades.
• Reading of the Current Commandant's Message: Highlighting modern readiness and honoring deployed units.
• The Sword-Cutting Ceremony: The birthday cake is sliced with a traditional officer's Mameluke sword or NCO sword.
• Oldest and Youngest Marine Ritual: The first slice of cake is presented to the guest of honor; the second slice is presented to the oldest Marine present, who takes a bite and passes the plate to the youngest Marine present, symbolizing the unbroken passage of experience, valor, and honor between generations.

3. How to Honor the Marine Corps Birthday

Express your gratitude for the Few and the Proud this November 10:

• Wish a Marine 'Happy Birthday': If you meet an active duty, reserve, or veteran Marine, offer a warm handshake and a hearty: 'Happy Birthday and Semper Fi!'
• Support Marine Veterans' Charities: Donate to the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation, the Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund, or the Toys for Tots campaign founded by Marine reservists in 1947.
• Study Marine Corps History: Read about landmark engagements—such as Belleau Wood, Guadalcanal, Tarawa, Iwo Jima, the Chosin Reservoir, Hue City, and Fallujah.
• Pause for Fallen Marines: Reflect quietly on the supreme sacrifices made by Marines who gave their lives in defense of freedom.

4. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)