The Marine Corps 249th Birthday is Nov. 10. On Nov. 10, 1775, the Second Continental Congress resolved to raise two battalions of Marines. Congress commissioned 31-year-old Samuel Nicholas, a well-known Philadelphian, as captain of the fledgling force of Continental Marines. From Tun Tavern in Philadelphia, Nicholas raised two battalions of Marines as directed and began the long illustrious history of the United States Marine Corps. This birthday has been celebrated since 1921, when Major General Lejeune issued Marine Corps Order No. 47, Series 1921, formally establishing the tradition of having a birthday event on 10 November.

Quoting from the birthday message from the Commandant of the Marine Corps:

“For 249 years, Marines have served as our Nation's sentinels of freedom. As we celebrate our Corps' birthday this year, I encourage all Marines to reflect on our legacy forged in blood on battlefields since 1775, and to rededicate ourselves to carrying that legacy untarnished into the future. Collectively, we who wear the Eagle, Globe, and Anchor have an obligation to uphold the ideals of self-discipline, warfighting proficiency, professionalism, and personal conduct that define what it means to be a Marine. I know you are all up to the task. Twenty years ago this month, Marines fought and won the Second Battle of Fallujah, a brutal, grinding house to house fight, whose victory ultimately paved the way for the stabilization of the Republic of Iraq. Often in Iraq there were no true front lines, and by necessity, Fallujah was a battle in which every Marine fought, demonstrating once again our cornerstone philosophy that Every Marine is a Rifleman….. Preparing for the threats of the future requires the same exceptional standards and ironclad discipline that are the hallmarks of our Corps. Twenty years ago in Fallujah, our predecessors staunchly adhered to these virtues, earned our Nation's trust, and ensured the U.S. Marine Corps would remain the most feared fighting force in the world. It is our sworn duty to uphold those standards and stay true to our Core Values of Honor, Courage, and Commitment. Though technology and equipment change, the Marine Corps' culture of excellence must not. The road ahead is far from certain, but our ethos will never change — Every Marine a Rifleman and Everyone Fights.” Semper Fidelis, General Eric Smith.

Again this year, the Marines are celebrating their birthday with a lunch at Brady’s at noon. Let us all wish our Marine Comrades a very Happy Birthday!

Veterans Day follows the next day, Nov. 11. Southport will have their Veterans Day ceremony at 10 :45 a.m. at the Southport library. At 6 p.m., the documentary “Personal Courage” about a soldier’s struggles transitioning to civilian life after multiple tours in Afghanistan will be shown at the Harbor Theatre, with free admission. Post 36 will not have its monthly meeting so all members can attend. Everyone is encouraged to attend to better understand combat veterans’ challenges of reentry into civilian life.