United States Marine Corps Marks 250 Years of Honor, Courage, and Commitment
For 250 years, the United States Marine Corps has stood as a symbol of strength, sacrifice, and steadfast devotion to the defense of the nation. Founded on November 10, 1775, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the Marines have served in every major conflict in American history — from the Revolutionary War to the modern battlefields of the Middle East — earning their reputation as “the first to fight.”
The story of the Marine Corps began at Tun Tavern in Philadelphia, when the Continental Congress authorized the formation of two battalions of Marines to serve as an infantry force capable of fighting both at sea and on land. Captain Samuel Nicholas became the first commissioned officer of the Continental Marines, leading a force that would soon distinguish itself in its first amphibious assault in 1776 in the Bahamas.
After the Revolutionary War, the Corps was briefly disbanded in 1783 but was re-established on July 11, 1798, as the United States Marine Corps. From that point forward, Marines have fought in every major American conflict, shaping the course of U.S. military history and securing the freedoms we enjoy today.
In the 19th century, the Marines proved their mettle in the Quasi-War with France, the Barbary Wars — most famously at Tripoli — and the War of 1812. Their courage and discipline earned the Corps the nickname “First to Fight,” a title solidified during World War I at the Battle of Belleau Wood in France, where Marines demonstrated unmatched ferocity and earned the respect of allies and enemies alike.
During World War II, the Marine Corps perfected amphibious warfare tactics, leading decisive island-hopping campaigns across the Pacific. Iconic battles such as Guadalcanal, Iwo Jima, and Okinawa showcased the Corps’ ability to overcome impossible odds. The iconic image of Marines raising the flag atop Mount Suribachi remains one of the most powerful symbols of American resolve.
Following the war, the Corps faced challenges to its existence but was preserved through the National Security Act of 1947, reaffirming its role as a vital component of the nation’s defense. Marines went on to serve with distinction in Korea, Vietnam, Beirut, Desert Storm, and the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan — from the frozen hills of the Chosin Reservoir to the streets of Fallujah and the valleys of Marjah.
Today, nearly 38,000 Marines are forward deployed around the world at any given moment. Their readiness ensures that the Marine Corps remains “most ready when the nation is least ready.” Operating as the expeditionary force of the United States, the Marines combine air, land, and sea capabilities to respond swiftly to crises, deliver humanitarian aid, and defend American interests abroad.
The Corps’ enduring strength lies not just in its firepower, but in its people — those who embody the core values of honor, courage, and commitment. Every Marine, forged by the fires of the Crucible, carries forward a legacy of service that transcends generations. Whether on the battlefield or in civilian life, Marines continue to lead, serve, and inspire through the timeless motto: “Semper Fidelis” — Always Faithful.
As the United States Marine Corps celebrates its 250th birthday, the nation honors the men and women — past and present — who have worn the eagle, globe, and anchor. From Tun Tavern to today’s modern global deployments, Marines have never wavered in their devotion to country and Corps.
For 250 years, they have answered the call — standing ready to fight, to serve, and to protect. And as history has shown, wherever there is a need, Marines will always be there — faithful as ever.
