Before there was a United States of America, there were United States Marines.
Let that soak in for a moment.
Every November 10th, U.S. Marines around the world pause to celebrate the incredible legacy that began in Philadelphia in 1775. From Revolutionary War battlefields to ships at sea and missions around the globe, generations of Marines have carried forward a tradition built on honor, courage, commitment, and an unmistakable esprit de corps.
In 2026, the USMC birthday marks over two-and-a-half centuries since the founding of the Continental Marines. So wherever Marines gather this November, there's one greeting you're certain to hear: Happy Birthday, Marines!
The story begins during the American Revolution.
On November 10th, 1775, the Second Continental Congress resolved that two battalions of Marines be raised to serve with the Continental Navy. Their mission called for men capable of fighting both at sea and on shore—a role that helped establish the expeditionary character Marines maintain today.
Captain Samuel Nicholas, who was seeking “a few good men,” was appointed on November 5th and received his written commission later that month; he is regarded by tradition as the first commandant of the Marine Corps (although he never officially held this title). He recruited Marines throughout Philadelphia, with the legendary Tun Tavern becoming the best-known recruiting location and eventually recognized as the birthplace of the Corps.
Following the Revolutionary War, the Continental Marines were disbanded in 1783. Congress formally reestablished the Marine Corps in 1798. Today, however, November 10, 1775, is recognized as the official birth of the Marine Corps.
If you're wondering exactly how old is the U.S. Marine Corps, the current answer is an impressive 251 years.
Interestingly, November 10th wasn't always the date used for the celebration. For years, the Corps observed July 11th, which commemorated its 1798 reestablishment.
That changed in 1921, when Major Edwin McClellan of the Marine Corps Historical Section proposed returning to the original 1775 founding date. Commandant Major General John A. Lejeune subsequently issued an order recognizing November 10th as the Marine Corps birthday, and mandated that a summarized history be read to all Marines worldwide on this date every year.
Across the country and around the world, Marines mark the Marine Corps anniversary with vibrant birthday balls and ceremonies.
Dress uniforms come out. The colors are presented as the color guard, represented by Marines carrying the United States national flag and the Organizational Colors (USMC flag), flanked by two rifle guards, marches in. They then execute a highly precise sequence of drill movements. General Lejeune's historic birthday message recounting the history and traditions of the Corps and the current Commandant's message are shared. The cake ceremony takes center stage, and The Marines' Hymn provides a stirring reminder of the service's history.
Yet the birthday isn't simply a formal occasion.
It's a reunion.
Active-duty Marines, reservists, veterans, families, and friends come together to remember where the Corps has been, honor those who served before them, and celebrate the bonds that continue long after a Marine leaves active service.
In fact, Lejeune's birthday message is an important part of birthday observances today.
Here’s an excerpt:
“November 1, 1921
.... (3) In every battle and skirmish since the birth of our corps, Marines have acquitted themselves with the greatest distinction, winning new honors on each occasion until the term "Marine" has come to signify all that is highest in military efficiency and soldierly virtue.
(4) This high name of distinction and soldierly repute we who are Marines today have received from those who preceded us in the corps. With it we have also received from them the eternal spirit which has animated our corps from generation to generation and has been the distinguishing mark of the Marines in every age. So long as that spirit continues to flourish Marines will be found equal to every emergency in the future as they have been in the past, and the men of our Nation will regard us as worthy successors to the long line of illustrious men who have served as "Soldiers of the Sea" since the founding of the Corps.”
—Major General Commandant John A. Lejeune
The cake ceremony also reflects centuries of symbolism. Celebrants slice through large cakes dramatically with the iconic Mameluke sword, echoing the Marines' warrior identity and long history of service.
The first piece of cake is presented to the guest of honor. The next goes to the oldest Marine present, honoring both experience and seniority. The oldest Marine then passes a piece to the youngest Marine, symbolizing the transfer of wisdom, knowledge, experience, trust, and responsibility from one generation to the next.
It's a simple gesture that says something profound: every Marine inherits a legacy—and has a responsibility to carry it forward.
Related: A Treasure Hunt in the Naval Academy Museum
The Marine Corps' story has always been closely connected to the Navy—and nowhere is that relationship more visible than at the U.S. Naval Academy. In fact, our current USNA Superintendent, Lieutenant General Michael Borgschulte, is the first Marine Superintendent in the history of the Academy, dating back to 1845.
Each year, a portion of the Academy's graduating class is commissioned as second lieutenants in the U.S. Marine Corps. Their preparation begins well before Commissioning Day through academics, physical training, leadership development, summer training, and exposure to U.S. Marine Corps officers and enlisted leaders.
For those midshipmen, November 10th isn't simply a historic anniversary. It's a celebration of the service they may soon have the privilege of joining.
The Navy and Marine Corps have fought side by side throughout American history, combining naval power with expeditionary capability to protect the nation at home and abroad.
Related: Becoming a Marine Corps Officer Through the Naval Academy
Perhaps that's why the Marine Corps birthday resonates so deeply.
It's not merely about looking backward.
It's about connecting Marines who fought at Belleau Wood, Iwo Jima, Chosin Reservoir, Hue City, Fallujah, and countless other places with the Marines serving today—and with those preparing to earn the title tomorrow. The uniforms have changed, technology has transformed warfare, and missions have evolved. Yet the commitment remains.
So this November 10th, raise a toast to the Marines in your family, the Marines serving around the world, the veterans who proudly earned the title, and the Naval Academy midshipmen preparing to join their ranks.
After 251 years of service, sacrifice, courage, and camaraderie, there's plenty to celebrate.
If you’re shopping for a Marine, there are plenty of ways to celebrate this milestone. Visit Navyonline.com for unique and meaningful Marine apparel and gear, and help support the next generation of Marines that are training on the Yard today.
Happy Birthday, Marines. Semper Fidelis!