A Salute to the US Marine Corps

Raising the Flag on Iwo Jima - WWII

While the US Navy traces its heritage back to the date that George Washington was authorized by Congressional Resolution to command armed schooners to intercept British supply ships (Oct 13, 1775), the US Marine Corps dates its institutional roots to the Continental Marines.

A Resolution by the Second Continental Congress authorized the formation of two battalions of Marines and issued the first commission to Captain Samuel Nicholas on Nov 10, 1775.  These battalions were to serve as landing forces for the recently established US Navy.  After American independence was established, both the Navy and Marines were disbanded.

But in 1798, the US Navy was again authorized by the US Congress and President John Adams signed a bill establishing the US Marine Corps as a permanent military force under the jurisdiction of the Department of the Navy.

US Marines landing at Guadalcanal 1942 - WWII
photo credit to C. Warren Robertson

The familiar motto of the USMC is Semper Fidelis - Latin for “Always Faithful”.

We take a moment now to honor the commitment and courage of the valiant men and women who serve in the USMC on land and at sea.  To learn more, visit the website of the US Marine Corps Museum at http://www.usmcmuseum.com/index.asp