Nov. 10, 1775, marks the official birthday of the United States Marine Corps. On that day the Second Continental Congress established the Continental Marines with the following decree:
“RESOLVED: That two battalions of Marines be raised consisting of one Colonel, two lieutenant-colonels, two majors and other officers, as usual in other regiments; that they consist of an equal number of privates as with other battalions, that particular care be taken that no persons be appointed to offices, or enlisted into said battalions, but such as are good seamen, or so acquainted with maritime affairs as to be able to serve for and during the present war with Great Britain and the Colonies; unless dismissed by Congress; that they be distinguished by the names of the First and Second Battalions of Marines.”
The first recruitment of Marines took place at Tun Tavern, a brew house in Philadelphia which was the location for the founding of other groups like the St. George’s Society and St. John’s #1 Lodge, a Grand Lodge of the Masonic Temple which was later led by Grand Master Benjamin Franklin.
