Today marks the 240^th birthday of the United States Marine Corps. As many know, the Corps was born in a bar – Tun Tavern – located in Philadelphia, on the banks of the Delaware River, on November 10, 1775. Many joke that this explains the Marines’ love for drinking. It’s not a joke, we do love drinking.

The festivities for the annual birthday celebration have already begun – there’s the Birthday Ball, there’s the giant cake – first bites to the youngest and oldest Marines present,

and then there’s the bountiful “Happy Birthday!” wishes all Marines substitute for greetings on this day.

The full lyrics of the Marine Corps hymn tell the Corps’ history and gallantry through many bloody conflicts. While reverent to our fallen Marines, the hymn also gently chides the other services with humor, for it is the task of the Marines to guard the streets of Heaven. Here is a great rendition of the hymn:

In case you want to sing along:

From the Halls of Montezuma
To the Shores of Tripoli;
We fight our country’s battles
In the air, on land and sea;
First to fight for right and freedom
And to keep our honor clean;
We are proud to claim the title
of United States Marine.

Our flag’s unfurled to every breeze
From dawn to setting sun;
We have fought in ev’ry clime and place
Where we could take a gun;
In the snow of far-off Northern lands
And in sunny tropic scenes;
You will find us always on the job–
The United States Marines.

Here’s health to you and to our Corps
Which we are proud to serve
In many a strife we’ve fought for life
And never lost our nerve;
If the Army and the Navy
Ever look on Heaven’s scenes;
They will find the streets are guarded
By United States Marines.

In 1921, Major General John A. Lejeune, the 13th Commandant, known as the greatest of all Leathernecks, added his message to be read at the annual celebration:

“On November 10, 1775, a Corps of Marines was created by a resolution of the Continental Congress. Since that date many thousands of men have borne that name Marine. In memory of them it is fitting that we who are Marines should commemorate the Birthday of our Corps by calling to mind the glories of its long and illustrious history.

The record of our Corps is one which bear comparison with that of the most famous military organizations in the world’s history. During 90 of the 146 years of its existence the Marine Corps has been in action against the Nation’s foes. From the Battle of Trenton to the Argonne, Marines have won foremost honors in war and in the long era of tranquility at home generation after generation of Marines have grown gray in war in both hemispheres, and in every corner of the seven seas so that our country and its citizens might enjoy peace and security.

In every battle and skirmish since the Birth of the 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.

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 also received from them the eternal spirit which has animated our Corps from generation and has long been the distinguishing mark of 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 me 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.”Here’s to all Marines, past and present who have served with honor and dignity.

Every commandant since then also prepares his own unique birthday message to be read each year. Here is the 37th Commandant General Robert Neller’s message to Marines on their 240th birthday:

When the Continental Congress raised up two battalions of Marines in 1775, it launched the greatest fighting force the world has ever known – a force revered globally for its uncommon valor, unparalleled adaptability, and ferocious tenacity. Over the past 240 years, the battlefields and equipment have changed, but the spirit of the United States Marine Corps has prevailed in every clime and place.

One hundred years ago, Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island opened its doors as the first base dedicated solely to making Marines. Since then, hundreds of thousands of men and women have been forged into elite warriors at Parris Island, Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, and The Basic School in Quantico. Each recruit had a different reason for stepping onto the yellow footprints, but all are unified by the intangible traits that characterize United States Marines and the remarkable legacy that has carried on across generations.

Whether you served on the hallowed grounds of Belleau Wood, fought on the iconic island battlefields of World War II, navigated the harsh terrain and climate of the Chosin Reservoir or Vietnam, conducted assaults during Desert Storm, marched on Baghdad, fought in close combat in Fallujah, or conducted combat operations in Afghanistan, everyone who wears the Eagle, Globe and Anchor is a member of that storied legacy.

As we celebrate the 240th birthday of our Corps, we pay tribute to all who have served and we remember our fallen heroes. We take great pride in our legacy and in the fine men and women who carry our colors into the future. And we extend heartfelt thanks to our families for their steadfast support.

Our 26th Commandant, General Louis Wilson, once said, “In the last analysis, what the Marine Corps becomes is what we make of it during our respective watches. And that watch of each Marine is not confined to the time he spends on active duty. It lasts as long as he is ‘proud to bear the title of United States Marine.'” Thank you all for guarding the legacy of our Corps during your watch.

Happy Birthday, Marines

And finally, toasts. Here’s to all Marines, past and present who have served with honor and dignity.

Here’s to those who will become the Marines of our future, that they will uphold and continue the tradition of courage and commitment.

If you weren’t able to be present with other Marines on this day, hopefully this post will give you a little bit of the camaraderie and esprit de corps that is renewed for active duty Marines at these annual ceremonies. All Marines, wherever they are, share the brotherhood on this day. We always remember. Be sure to wish any Marine you see today a “Happy Birthday!” – they will know what you mean.

Happy Birthday Devil Dogs and Semper Fi!