Today Is the Marine Corps’ Birthday

‘I never saw a Marine who was beaten.’ —Navy Flight Nurse Norma Crotty, Iwo Jima

Today is the anniversary of the founding of the U.S. Marine Corps. The Marines are older than the US itself, since the Corps was formed Nov. 10, 1775, in Philadelphia’s Tun Tavern, some eight months before the Declaration of Independence was signed. And ever since then, “from the halls of Montezuma to the shores of Tripoli,” the Marine Corps has been fighting and winning America’s wars.

I previously wrote an article detailing some of the best stories of trailblazing Marines through American history, good reminders of how many heroes the Marines produced. Both those who survived and those who died (including my great-uncle Bruce Webb) were vital in founding, preserving, and expanding America’s freedom.

The Marines have been praised countless times over the centuries as the best fighting force on earth. Marine chaplain Fr. Kevin Keaney said, “You cannot exaggerate about the Marines. They are convinced to the point of arrogance, that they are the most ferocious fighters on earth- and the amusing thing about it is that they are.” And Army Gen. John Pershing said, “The deadliest weapon in the world is a Marine and his rifle.”

Happy birthday, U.S. Marine Corps, and thank you to all Marines!

This article is adapted from one originally published two years ago.