(From 2014, but it is still good.)
“On November 10, 1775, the Continental Congress commissioned Samuel Nicholas to raise two Battalions of Marines. That very day, Nicholas set up shop in Tun Tavern. He appointed Robert Mullan, then the proprietor of the tavern, to the job of chief Marine Recruiter — serving, of course, from his place of business at Tun Tavern. Prospective recruits flocked to the tavern, lured by (1) cold beer and (2) the opportunity to serve in the new Corps of Marines.” (USMCpress.com)
The Marine Corps has never looked back. Still the toughest. Still the service with the most esprit de corps. They are the crazy ones who, once they have beaten their adversaries into bloody pulps, pick up their weapons and move on to where the next fight is.
U.S. Marine Sgt. Bryan Early, a squad leader with 1st Battalion, 9th Marine Regiment, leads his squad of Marines to the next compound while patrolling in Helmand province, Afghanistan, Dec. 19. Early is responsible for planning the squad’s patrols, the safety of his Marines, and achieving his commander’s intent, before, during, and after an operation. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Austin Long)
They have done that throughout their storied history. They did it eight years ago in Iraq, pivoting to Afghanistan once it looked as if Iraq was under control. And they and will go again someday.
Where the fight is.
Happy Birthday, Marine Corps, and Semper Fi!
