Then & now .... Marine Corps

This USMC photograph shows Lewis Burwell "Chesty" Puller in the center-right foreground cutting a multi-layered birthday cake somewhere in Korea on November 10, 1950, while a multitude of Marines gather around awaiting a "piece of the action." Puller was the most decorated Marine in American history. He is one of two men to have been awarded five Navy Crosses, the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps second-highest decoration for valor in combat. His other awards included a Distinguished Service Cross, a Silver Star, a Bronze Star, a Legion of Merit, a Purple Heart and a few more. Puller retired as a lieutenant general from the Marine Corps in 1955 after 37 years of service. He died at age 73 in 1971. The other Marines in the photograph shall remain anonymous.

The first video is here to instill the fact that every Marine is first and foremost a rifleman. The corporal reciting the "Rifleman's Creed" is holding a Springfield model of 1903 rifle and the creed was written in late 1941 or early 1942, which dates this film to that time frame. The second to offer a glimpse into the Marine Corps of today. The last to help you remember tomorrow -- November 11 --  is Armistice Day / Veterans Day / Remembrance Day. By whatever name you identify with it, I hope you take a few moments to reflect on it and to think of a way you can contribute to make your neighborhood / your town / your state / your country a better place for those who call it home.

Happy Birthday, USMC .... 245 & counting

The United States Marine Corps was "born" on November 10, 1775, when the Second Continental Congress established the Continental Marines consisting of the First and Second Battalions under the command of a colonel. A recruitment drive was held at Tun Tavern and brewery in Philadelphia. Rumor has it not a single drop of liquor in any form could be found at the establishment when the doors were finally closed that night.

Although the anniversary always has been November 10, it was not until 1921 when observation of that date became official. It is my assumption that fact has escaped the attention of most, both inside and outside the Corps.

Prior to 1921, Marines celebrated the birth of the USMC on July 11 with little fanfare. Major Edwin N. McClellan, in charge of the historical section, sent a memorandum to Commandant John A. Lejeune on October 21, 1921,  suggesting the original birthday of November 10 be declared a Marine Corps holiday. Lejeune did just that in Marine Corps Order 47 issued on November 1, 1921. It read in part:

"On November 10, 1775, a Corps of Marines was created by a resolution of Continental Congress. Since that date many thousand men have borne the name 'Marine'. In memory of them it is fitting that we who are Marines should commemorate the birthday of our corps by calling to mind the glories of its long and illustrious history."

The first formal "Birthday Ball" was staged in 1925, though no records exist that indicate the proceedings of that event.  Birthday celebrations since have taken varied forms, with most including dances and guest speakers. Some accounts include mock battles, musical performances, pageants and athletic events.

This, the 245th anniversary of the founding of the Marine Corps, is unique in that a plague is on the loose and gatherings range from limited to prohibited. Still, there is no doubt cakes will be cut and speeches given and stories told of times and experiences now living in memories. Traditions will go on as long as memories exist ....

To all Marines, those among the dead, those who still live, those yet to be born: Semper Fidelis, to the end of time ....