Marine Corps Founded (1775 )
On November 10, 1775, the Marine Corps was founded in Tun Tavern, Philadelphia, PA through a resolution by the Continental Congress. In particular, members of the Continental Congress called for two battalions of Marines to fight for independence both on land and sea.
Samuel Nicholas became the first Commandant of the Marines. The owner of Tun Tavern, Robert Mullan, became the first Marine captain and recruiter. The two individuals quickly gathered men and were ready for fighting action by 1776.
Since the founding of the Marines, they have fought in every American war dating back to the American Revolution. The Marines have carried out over 300 landings in foreign countries and have served in nearly every area of the world. In 1834, the Marines became part of the Department of the Navy.
The motto of the Marines was adopted in 1883 as “Semper Fidelis,” which is Latin for “Always Faithful.” This motto comes from the fact that there has never been a mutiny among Marines in any war.
The Marines are also known for having the toughest boot camp in all U.S. military services. The main boot camp training location is in Parris Island, South Carolina where it was established in 1915.
Today, there are over 200,000 active duty Marines and around 40,000 reservists defending and upholding American values across the globe. Each year, the Marines celebrate this day as their birth.