The United States Marine Corps, often the first into battle and the last to leave, will celebrate their 237th birthday on Saturday, November 10. Fittingly, since the Marine Corps was established during a meeting at the Tun Tavern in Philadelphia, they will gather for the ceremony locally at Trattoria Axixic (owned and operated by Juan Noltanious, a Marine).
During their history the Marine Corps has seen important engagements in the American Revolutionary War, the Quasi-War, Barbary Wars, the War of 1812, Seminole Wars, Mexican-American War, American Civil War, Spanish-American War, Philippine-American War, Boxer Rebellion, Banana War, World War I, World War II, Korean War, Vietnam War, Iranian Hostage Rescue, Invasion of Granada, Bombing of Libya, Invasion of Panama, Persian Gulf War, Somali Civil War, Bosnian War, Kosovo War, War in Afghanistan, War in Iraq and the Bombing of Libya.
Today there are more than 200,000 active-duty and reserve Marines, divided into three divisions stationed at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Camp Pendleton, California and Okinawa Japan.Celebrating the birthday of the United States Marines is a tradition established by Lieutenant general John Lejeune, the Marines’ 13th Commandant. Included in the tradition is a special cake cutting wherein the oldest and the youngest marine present are honored with the first and second piece of cake.
All Marines and their families are invited to the celebration on November 10. There is a special welcome for Seabees, Royal Marines, Naval Aviators and others who have supported the United States Marine Corps in any way.
This informal event will have a lot of time devoted to sharing tales and sea stories. The formal cake cutting, however, will be held following dinner. Captain Denny Strole, U.S. Navy (Retired) will do the honors and briefly speak about his experiences as the “Commodore” of Amphibious Squadron Two, where he had an entire Marine Expeditionary Unit of 1,800 men under his command.
The celebration will begin at 5 p.m. with a no-host cocktail hour followed by dinner at 6 p.m. Dinner choices will be off the menu and include a salad bar. So sufficient tables can be reserved, please contact Al Roseman by email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or by phone at (376) 765-7654.
DID YOU KNOW?
John Adams led a committee of the Continental Congress that called for the establishment of two battalions of Marines to fight for Independence on sea and shore. The resolution was passed November 10, 1775. Major Samuel Nicholas became the first Commandant serving from 1775 to 1783 and the tavern owner, Robert Mullan became his first captain and recruiter.