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Every November 10th, Marines around the globe gather to celebrate the birth of their beloved Corps with reverence and solemnity, before getting wrecked and picking up someone attractive (or sometimes not) and having some less solemn fun. (Or it could be June 11th…) With traditions steeped in history and camaraderie, the Marine Corps Birthday is a unique and boisterous affair; but how did this celebration come to be, and why is it known for its occasional descent into hilarious chaos when the other services barely know their history?
From Tun Tavern to Tradition
The roots of the Marine Corps Birthday trace back to November 10th, 1775, when the Continental Congress established the Continental Marines at Tun Tavern in Philadelphia. While celebrations likely occurred in the early years, it wasn't until 1921 that Commandant John A. Lejeune formalized the occasion with Marine Corps Order No. 47. This order outlined the historical significance of the Corps and mandated an annual reading of the order on November 10th.
General Lejeune's order not only established the official birthday but also laid the groundwork for the traditions we know today. The annual reading of his message, along with a message from the current Commandant, remains a cornerstone of the celebration. Furthermore, the order sparked a wave of commemorative activities, culminating in the first formal Birthday Ball in Philadelphia in 1925.
Traditions and Festivities
The modern Marine Corps Birthday celebration is a blend of serious remembrance and spirited revelry. There are a few unskippable cutscenes for any Marine Corps birthday, but due to location, operational tempo, and available funds some results may vary.
Cake Cutting Ceremony: The oldest and youngest Marines present cut the first slice of birthday cake with a NCO or Mameluke sword, (or a combat knife if you’re in the middle of a combat operation) symbolizing the passing of tradition from one generation to the next.
Reading of Lejeune's Order and the Commandant's Message: These readings reinforce the history and values of the Corps.
Birthday Ball: A formal event with dinner, dancing, and toasts, often featuring a ceremonial cake cutting and the reading of orders.
When Celebrations Get Out of Hand
While the Marine Corps Birthday is typically a dignified affair, there have been instances where the celebrations took a decidedly more rambunctious turn. Here are three legendary examples:
The Great Cake Caper of '87 - Legend has it that during a particularly spirited Birthday Ball at Camp Lejeune in 1987, a group of Marines, fueled by camaraderie and perhaps a bit too much birthday cheer in brown liquid form, decided to liberate the ceremonial cake. A chaotic chase ensued, with Marines scrambling over tables and dodging security personnel, all in pursuit of the coveted dessert. Undeterred, the command still held the cake cutting with the pieces that had broken off during the theft. The cake's final destination remains a mystery to this day, but the story lives on in Marine Corps lore.
The "Semper Fly" Incident of '04 - At a remote outpost in Afghanistan in 2004, a group of Marines decided to add a unique twist to their birthday celebration. With limited resources and a surplus of ingenuity, they constructed a makeshift hot air balloon out of tarps, camouflage netting, and propane tanks. Christened the "Semper Fly," the balloon was launched with great fanfare, only to promptly crash into a nearby communications tower, causing a temporary blackout. The incident, while disruptive, became a legendary tale of Marine Corps resourcefulness and a testament to their ability to find humor even in the most challenging circumstances.
The "Naked Gun" Salute of '98: During a particularly rowdy celebration at a Marine Corps base in Okinawa in 1998, a group of Marines decided to pay homage to their favorite movie, "The Naked Gun." Inspired by Leslie Nielsen's character, they lined up for a ceremonial 21-gun salute, only to realize they had forgotten the blanks. Undeterred, they proceeded with the salute, using their voices to mimic the sound of gunfire. The result was a cacophony of shouts and laughter that echoed across the base, much to the amusement of their fellow Marines and the bewilderment of nearby residents. If your unit has ever been so broke that you have to yell ‘butter butter jam’ rather than fire real ammunition, you can see how this got a little ridiculous.
A Legacy of Honor and Camaraderie
While these stories highlight the lighter and loonier side of the Marine Corps Birthday, the core of the celebration remains deeply rooted in honor, tradition, and the unbreakable bond between Marines. It's a time to reflect on the sacrifices of those who came before, celebrate the strength and resilience of the Corps, and look forward to the future with pride and determination. Just don’t forget your bail money.
