Today is the birthday of the United States Marine Corps. If you’re a marine, sailor, or another service member who loves your branch and its traditions, you might be wondering how you can celebrate this awesome holiday. The answer is simple—go all out with any celebrations you have planned! Read on to discover our top ideas for celebrating the Marine Corps Birthday if you are also a member of the armed forces. Find out more about other military holidays, traditions, and events that take place year-round. These activities help strengthen camaraderie among fellow servicemen and women and their families while reinforcing pride in our country and its armed forces.
March-born Marines: Happy Birthday!
On September 29, 1775, the Continental Congress authorized the formation of two battalions of Marines. On this date in 1911, the official birthday of the Corps was established as November 10, the date on which the Navy Department issued a general order creating the branch. Marines celebrate the occasion on November 10, regardless of their birth date. If you’re a marine, sailor, or another service member who loves your branch and its traditions, you might be wondering how you can celebrate this awesome holiday. The answer is simple—go all out with any celebrations you have planned! Read on to discover our top ideas for celebrating the Marine Corps Birthday if you are also a member of the armed forces.
Dining Out
For many military families, dining out is a special occasion. And while it’s not a traditional Marine Corps birthday celebration, it’s a great way to show your family how much you appreciate them while also celebrating the branch. Dine out at your favorite restaurant and order a specialty item on the menu. You could order something that represents the Marine Corps or the city where the branch’s headquarters are located. Or, you could go for a food that uses Marine Corps colors, such as a red or blue dish. Alternatively, you could go for something that uses the Marine Corps’ motto, “semper fi” (Latin for “always faithful”). This could be something like a seafood dish, which makes sense because Marines are often referred to as “soldiers of the sea.”
Hiking or Camping Trip
If you’re from the Marine Corps, you’re likely used to spending time away from home. It’s no secret that members of the military often have to relocate, which can make it difficult to maintain strong relationships with family and friends. Hiking or camping with your family and friends can help you create life-long memories with those whom you care about most. These activities also offer you a chance to learn more about them and strengthen your relationships with them. While hiking or camping, you could celebrate the Marine Corps Birthday by singing “The Marines’ Hymn.” This is the branch’s official song and it includes lyrics that highlight the qualities and values that all Marines should strive to uphold.
Marine Corps Ball
A Marine Corps ball is a formal event that celebrates the anniversary of the branch’s creation. It usually takes place on or around November 10. These balls are a great way to show pride for your branch and strengthen friendships with other members of the military. They can also help you meet other people who share your interests. If you’re hosting a Marine Corps ball, you can get creative with how you celebrate the holiday. For example, you could make the venue look like a military base. Or, you could transform it into a beach-themed setting, given that many Marines work in tropical climates. If you’re attending a Marine Corps ball, you could wear a tuxedo or dress in formal attire. You could also bring a date or a group of friends if you’re interested in meeting new people.
Marine Corps Marathon
The Marine Corps Marathon is the largest Marine Corps event in the world. It takes place every year in October in Washington, D.C. and is open to civilians as well as members of the armed forces. The marathon celebrates the Corps’ endurance and spirit of determination, which has helped marines accomplish many incredible feats. If you’re interested in participating in the marathon, you must first qualify. To do so, you must complete a marathon in under three hours and 15 minutes. If you’ve never run a marathon before, this might sound like a daunting task. Fortunately, you can prepare for it by logging plenty of training miles.
Summary
No matter what branch you serve in, there are plenty of ways to celebrate the Marine Corps Birthday. Participating in one or more of these events will allow you to strengthen bonds with fellow servicemen and women while strengthening your love and appreciation for the Marine Corps. If you’re a marine, sailor, or another service member who loves your branch and its traditions, you might be wondering how you can celebrate this awesome holiday. The answer is simple—go all out with any celebrations you have planned!