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The U.S. Marine Corps' roots date back to November 10, 1775 when it was created to serve as security for landing forces as well as shipboard security. That date is celebrated as the date of the Marine Corps' birthday.
The Marine Corps birthday is celebrated every year with a cake-cutting ceremony. The first slice of cake is given to the oldest Marine present, who in turn hands it off to the youngest Marine present. The celebration also includes a reading of Commandant Birthday Message.
>>Did you know that these famous people are former Marines? (Photos)
Here are a few facts that you may not know about the Marine Corps:
The first place the Marines recruited in 1775 was in a bar: Legend has it that captains Samuel Nicholas and Robert Mullan were commissioned to raise two battalions of Marines in Philadelphia. Mullan, who was the chief Marine Recruiter and who also happened to run the Tun Tavern, may have used the location as the first recruiting post. Rumors suggest that prospective recruits flocked the tavern, lured by cold beer and the opportunity to serve in the Marine Corps.
They have a band dedicated to the commander in chief: The U.S. Marine Band is the premiere band of the Marine Corps. The band has the nickname "The President's Own" because it's main purpose has been to provide music for the president at state dinners, parades and other ceremonies. The Marine Band and the White House began in 1801 on New Year's Day when then president John Adams invited the band to perform at the Executive Mansion.
The USMC is actually a part of the U.S. Navy: Though the Marine Corps is considered one of the four branches in the Department of Defense, it is actually a component of the U.S. Department of the Navy.
The first American to orbit the earth was a Marine: John Glenn flew the Friendship 7 in 1962 and became the first American to orbit the Earth. Glenn served in the Marine Corps from 1942 to 1965.
The Marines were absent from the Normandy Invasion: Marines watched the battle from aboard the U.S.S. Texas, but were never deployed. Accounts differ in why the Marines were not deployed. Some suggest it was because the Army simply had more divisions (89 vs the Marine Corps 6). Others suggest it was because leaders of the Allied Forces were all Army generals and there was concern that Marines would steal the spotlight. The Marines did help instruct and train the Army for the landing.
Marines have the oldest weapon still in active service: The Marines are famous for rescuing the crew aboard the U.S.S Philadelphia from pirates in 1804 in Tripoli. Marine Lt. Presley O'Bannon led the fight and was later awarded the Mameluke sword by Prince Hamlet, a chieftain in North Africa. Today Marine officers wear the sword only with their dress uniform, but it is still considered the oldest weapon used in active service.
