On this date in 1775 the Continental Congress passed a resolution to establish two battalions of Marines able to fight both on the land and on the water for the independence of the fledgling country. In April of 1775 the Revolutionary War against the British started and it would rage until 1783 with the new Marines playing an integral role in the American success. When in 1781, Cornwallis tendered his surrender at Yorktown, the war was over on American soil but there were other battles off shore to be fought. It was the Marines participated in those fights, firing the last official shots of the Revolutionary War in a Naval engagement with the British ship HMS Sibyl in 1783. 

Over the last 238 years, the United States Marine Corps has been comprised of men and women who exemplify the American spirit. They have established themselves as some of the most dogged, tactically sound, motivated, and unstoppable fighters on Earth. They have also responded to disaster areas around the globe to help organize rescue efforts, cleanup efforts, and to maintain law and order in areas that have been devastated by natural disaster or other calamity. Many of us have one or more family members that served or are currently serving in the Marines. We’re honored to say that we have two family members in active service and others who have retired from the Marine Corps.

This is a special day for Marines all over the world. It is also a special day for anyone that knows and understands American history. We have immense respect for all of our veterans in all of the branches of service but today is the Marines’ day. Their contributions to American history are almost immeasurable. They have always answered the call of duty bravely and with honor no matter the situation that they were being thrust into. The history of the Marines is the history of America and without the sacrifice and blood of many over the centuries, our country would no longer exist.

One final thought –

This quote is often attributed to a George Orwell radio interview and it sums up almost perfectly our thoughts and feelings toward the Marine Corps. “We sleep safe in our beds because rough men stand ready in the night to visit violence on those who would do us harm.”