On November 10, 1775, the Second Continental Congress meeting in Philadelphia resolved that 'two Battalions of marines be raised' for amphibious operations during the Revolutionary War, establishing recruiting headquarters at Tun Tavern under Captain Samuel Nicholas. Throughout American history, Marines have fought with legendary distinction—from the shores of Tripoli and Belleau Wood to Guadalcanal, Iwo Jima, Inchon, Khe Sanh, and Fallujah. In 1921, 13th Commandant Major General John A. Lejeune formalized Marine Corps Order No. 47, institutionalizing the annual Marine Corps Birthday Ball and traditional cake-cutting ceremony, where the first piece is given to the oldest Marine present, who passes it to the youngest Marine.
On November 10, 1775, the Second Continental Congress meeting in Philadelphia resolved that 'two Battalions of marines be raised' for amphibious operations during the Revolutionary War, establishing recruiting headquarters at Tun Tavern under Captain Samuel Nicholas. Throughout American history, Marines have fought with legendary distinction—from the shores of Tripoli and Belleau Wood to Guadalcanal, Iwo Jima, Inchon, Khe Sanh, and Fallujah. In 1921, 13th Commandant Major General John A. Lejeune formalized Marine Corps Order No. 47, institutionalizing the annual Marine Corps Birthday Ball and traditional cake-cutting ceremony, where the first piece is given to the oldest Marine present, who passes it to the youngest Marine.
