Happy Birthday US Marines!

Posted on 11/09/2025

The United States Marine Corps birthday is celebrated every year on November 10th, marking the date the Second Continental Congress authorized the raising of two battalions of Continental Marines in 1775. This year, 2025, the USMC is celebrating its 250th anniversary. Celebrations include a traditional ball and cake-cutting ceremony, where the first slice of cake is given to the oldest Marine present and the second slice to the youngest.

Date: November 10, 1775
Significance: The Second Continental Congress resolved to raise two battalions of Continental Marines, which is considered the founding of the USMC.
Anniversary: The 250th anniversary is being celebrated throughout 2025.
Traditions:
- Marines worldwide celebrate their birthday with several time-honored traditions, many of which were standardized by Commandant Lemuel C. Shepherd Jr. in 1952:

- Reading of the Commandant's Message: Every year, Marine Corps Order No. 47 (Series 1921), issued by then-Commandant John A. Lejeune, is read to all commands. It recounts the Corps' history and the legacy of Marines who served before.
- Cake-Cutting Ceremony: This formal ceremony is the centerpiece of most celebrations. The cake is traditionally cut with a Mameluke sword, symbolizing the warrior spirit and commitment to carrying the sword so the nation may live in peace.

- Passing of the Cake: By tradition, the first piece of cake goes to the guest of honor. The second piece is given to the oldest Marine present, who then passes it to the youngest Marine present. This act symbolizes the passing of experience and knowledge from the old to the new generation of Marines.

- Birthday Balls: Many commands host formal banquets and balls, which include dinner, dancing, and a pageant of historical Marine uniforms.

- Other events: Additional modern traditions include unit motivational runs and placing a wreath at dawn at the grave of Samuel Nicholas, the first commissioned officer of the Continental Marines, in Philadelphia.