Happy 234th birthday
November 10, 1775 the Continental Congress authorized the establishment of a force of American Marines for service on land and sea in the American War of Independence.
“Resolved, That two Battalions of marines be raised, Consisting of one
Colonel, two Lieutenant Colonels, two Majors, and other officers as usual
in other regiments; and that they consist of an equal number of privates with
other battalions; that special care be taken, that no persons be appointed to
office, or inlisted into said Battalions, but such as are good seamen, or so
acquainted with maritime affairs as to be able to serve to advantage by sea
when required: that they be inlisted and commissioned to serve for and
during the present war between Great Britain and the colonies, unless
dismissed by order of Congress: that they be distinguished by the names
of the first and second battalions of American Marines, and that they be
considered as part of the number which the continental Army before
Boston is ordered to consist of.”
This directive established the Marine Corps. The first recruits to enlist will be a mix of young adventurers and street toughs captained by the barkeep of a Philadelphia alehouse, Tun Tavern. This Captain, Samuel Nicholas, the first Commandant, quickly whipped these men into a crack contingent of seagoing soldiers that will evolve into one of the world’s premier military organizations.
While there are many quotes I could list as my "favorite" Marine quote, in my mind the one that embodies the "gung ho" approach of the Corps is this one by 1st Lt. Clifton Cates at the Battle of Belleau Wood, 19 July, 1918:
“Resolved, That two Battalions of marines be raised, Consisting of one
Colonel, two Lieutenant Colonels, two Majors, and other officers as usual
in other regiments; and that they consist of an equal number of privates with
other battalions; that special care be taken, that no persons be appointed to
office, or inlisted into said Battalions, but such as are good seamen, or so
acquainted with maritime affairs as to be able to serve to advantage by sea
when required: that they be inlisted and commissioned to serve for and
during the present war between Great Britain and the colonies, unless
dismissed by order of Congress: that they be distinguished by the names
of the first and second battalions of American Marines, and that they be
considered as part of the number which the continental Army before
Boston is ordered to consist of.”
This directive established the Marine Corps. The first recruits to enlist will be a mix of young adventurers and street toughs captained by the barkeep of a Philadelphia alehouse, Tun Tavern. This Captain, Samuel Nicholas, the first Commandant, quickly whipped these men into a crack contingent of seagoing soldiers that will evolve into one of the world’s premier military organizations.
While there are many quotes I could list as my "favorite" Marine quote, in my mind the one that embodies the "gung ho" approach of the Corps is this one by 1st Lt. Clifton Cates at the Battle of Belleau Wood, 19 July, 1918:
I have only two men out of my company and 20 out of some other
company. We need support, but it is almost suicide to try to get it
here as we are swept by machine gun fire and a constant barrage
is on us. I have no one on my left and only a few on my right.
I will hold.
So - to those friends I served with and those who share this special bond because they proudly wore the uniform - Mario, Morris, Gary, Gary A, John B., Sgt. Al Drake, Rick P..........
Semper fi and happy birthday!
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