November 10 – A Date, A Tradition, A Legacy

November 10, 1775 — that’s the day the Continental Marines were established by the Second Continental Congress when they resolved to “raise two battalions of Marines … such as are good seamen, or so acquainted with maritime affairs as to be able to serve for and during the present War with Great Britain.” (National Museum of the Marine Corps)

Since then, the Marine Corps has grown, evolved, adapted — and now in 2025, we mark its 250 th birthday: a semiquincentennial of service, sacrifice, and Semper Fidelis. (U.S. Marine Corps)

As a female veteran of the Corps, this milestone resonates deeply—not just because of the number of years, but because of my years served, the sisters I served beside, the legacy we were handed and the one we carry forward.

A Woman’s Place, Then and Now

When I enlisted, I knew every Marine had stories of valor and hardship, but I also carried the story of women in the Corps — starting with Opha May Johnson, who in 1918 became the first woman to enlist in the Marine Corps Reserve. (Wikipedia)Women Marines weren’t always front‐and‐center (let’s be honest), but with each passing era we pushed that boundary a little further. It’s humbling to go into that lineage and say, “I did my part.”

So this 250th birthday isn’t just about their 250 years — it’s about her 107 years and your next 250 years too. Tradition doesn’t mean rigid; it means rooted. And roots support new growth.

Why We Celebrate – And How

Here’s what the birthday means, and how we mark it:

History in a few bullet points:

• The founding resolution on 10 November 1775. (HISTORY)

• That original corps disbanded after the Revolutionary War, and in many ways the current USMC traces its continuous service from the act of 11 July 1798. (Wikipedia)

• In 1921, John A. Lejeune (13th Commandant) issued Marine Corps Order 47 declaring 10 November the annual birthday. (National Museum of the Marine Corps)

Traditions I’ve come to love:

• The cake‐cutting ceremony: First slice to the oldest Marine present, second slice to the youngest — symbolizing the passing of knowledge from old to new. (Wikipedia)

• Birthday balls and gowns or dress blues, and the formal “reading of the birthday message” and history. (Training Command)

• A moment of reflection on our lineage, the “Soldiers of the Sea,” and the future we protect.

My Reflection: What This 250th Means to Me

As I stood in formation years ago, boots polished, ribbons square, I was thinking about the mission, about being “first to fight,” about being part of something bigger than myself. But what I realize now is this — it’s also about family. It’s about knowing that whether you’re in fatigues or dress uniform, whether you served 4 years or 30 years, you’re part of a chain that goes back to Tun Tavern in Philadelphia. (marineheritage.org)

This 250th is a moment for veterans and active duty alike to remember:

• The sacrifices our predecessors made, so we could modernize and adapt.

• The ways women like me expanded the definition of what a Marine looks like, and what she can do.

• The duty we still have — to mentor younger Marines, to uphold the traditions, and to be ready when “our nation is least ready.” (U.S. Marine Corps)

A Message to Those Who Wore the Dress Blues, Camo, or Civilian Clothes After Service

You may no longer march in formation, but you carry the virtue of honor, courage, and commitment. On this 250th birthday, I encourage you to:

• Share your story — tell a younger Marine what you learned.

• Reach out. Attend a celebration, send a message, visit a base or museum if you can.

• Remember the legacy and pass it on. Because in our uniforms, we served, but as veterans we live that Corps spirit still.

In Closing

To the Marines of 1775, thank you for the beginning.To the Marines of today, thank you for the service.To the female Marines (past, present, future) — thank you for breaking barriers and raising the standard.

Semper Fidelis.Happy 250th.