Nov. 10,2016 marks the 241th birthday of The United States Marine Corp.
Its roots date all the way back to 1775 when it was established as the Continental Marines. The Second Continental Congress first commissioned Marines to man two vessels in the Continental Navy. Their original purpose was to provide on-board security forces and to protect the Captain and his officers.
The first commissioned officer of the Continental Marines was a man named Samuel Nicholas. He was part of a well-known Quaker family from Philadelphia, and was nicknamed “the Fightin’ Quaker.” He was appointed the 1st Commandant in 1775 and took charge in recruiting locals to fight for America’s independence from the British.
And where did he turn in his recruitment efforts? To local taverns of course! One of his first recruits was Robert Mullan, the manager of Tun Tavern in Philadelphia. Nicholas appointed him as the Chief Marine Recruiter and he would use the allure of cold beer and camaraderie to recruit new Marines. This is why the Tun Tavern is officially acknowledged as the birthplace of the Marine Corps.
There are times throughout the year when we remember what it means to be a veteran, when we honor our fallen heroes on Memorial Day, or celebrate veterans on Veterans Day. However, the Marine Corps birthday brings leathernecks back to a time surrounded by brothers and sisters. It is a time where Marines focus on their brothers in arms, remembering the good, and staring off into the distance as sorrow washes over them for all of their fellow Devil Dogs who gave their lives for our freedom.
Today, and every day, we at Casemate thank all Marines for their selfless service.
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