Marine Corps Birthday: Celebrating 251 Years of the Few, the Proud

The year is 1775. War with Great Britain continued, and the colonists needed a force to help boost naval military operations. In Philadelphia, on Water Street, inside Tun Tavern, Capt. Samuel Nicholas recruited and organized these brave men who would go on to be known as Continental Marines.

Although disbanded after the American Revolution, the Marine Corps was brought back as an American Armed Force, as it remains today. This was the beginning of one of the most feared military forces in the world, and why every November we celebrate the Marine Corps birthday.

When Is the Marine Corps Birthday?

November 10th is the Marine Corps birthday because that was the day that Capt. Nicholas went to Tun Tavern. Though the original Continental Marines were temporarily disbanded in 1783 following the Revolutionary War, the birthday remains on this date to honor the branch's foundational roots.

If you were to look for a secondary Marine birthday, July 11, 1798, would fit the bill. In fact, from 1799 until 1921, July 11 was the original celebrated birthday. This date represents the reestablishment of the Marines, who were brought back alongside the Navy to fight in the Quasi-War with France and the Barbary Wars.

Today, however, the 251st Marine Corps birthday is being celebrated in the fall. This is a tradition that has remained steadfast since 1921.

Moving the Celebration to November

Before 1921, the celebration in July was known as “Marine Corps Day,” and there were no documented celebrations for the Marine Corps birthday. Though recognized, the Devil Dogs didn’t have quite the celebration as they do today.

Major Edwin McClellan proposed a change and, on October 21, 1921, sent Major General Commandant John A. Lejeune an idea to move the birthday to honor every Marine while also adding traditions and fanfare into the mix.

On November 1, 1921, Major General Lejeune issued Marine Corps Order No. 47 (Series 1921), officially saying “Happy Birthday, Marines” by establishing the date we know today. Since then, November 10th has been marked with global festivities, including parades, drill team performances, exhibits, speeches, and more.

Over the years, various commands have added unique touches to the celebrations. In 1925, the first Marine Corps Birthday Ball occurred at the place it all began, Tun Tavern in Philadelphia. Cutting a cake with the Mameluke sword also became a tradition, symbolizing the Marines' commitment to fighting for peace.

Other traditions include giving the first piece of cake to the guest of honor and passing the second piece from the oldest to the youngest Marine. This signifies the transfer of experience and knowledge. Major General Lejeune's Order Number 47 is still read during these celebrations, reminding those in attendance:

"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."

How to Celebrate the Marine Corps Birthday

The Marine Corps birthday in 2026 marks 251 years of service, and it is a time to honor those who have served and are currently serving. Every year, the current Commandant and Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps release an official birthday message video reflecting on the branch's legacy and future, which is played at commands across the globe.

If you are ever invited to a birthday ball, it is an experience not to be missed. For those celebrating privately, November 10 is a time for respect, camaraderie, and admiration for those who continue to sacrifice for our nation. The Marine Corps birthday is a time-honored tradition that remains a deep source of pride and remembrance for the USMC.