My Corps started in a Tavern in Pennsylvania... how fitting. It was a Major who was the first Commandant and one of the best recruiters in history.
He basically got his recruits drunk enough to agree to volunteer to sit up in the crow's nest of a colonial ship and function as a sharp shooter from aloft. Can you say sea-sick???
The officers on the decks wore an embroidered design called a quatrefoil on their hats so the Marines in the crow's nests knew who to watch for commands and who to shoot (I mean not to shoot...).
The Marines of that time were called "leather-necks" because their collars were high enough to cover their necks and made of thick leather to protect them from the blades of their enemy's swords.
The blues uniform worn by today's enlisted Marines looks similar to that worn by our predecessors on the ships.
Marines of that day often had salt stains on their uniforms after they had been at sea for a while, so those that are seasoned veterans today are often called, "salty".
Our Corps is steeped with traditions and it is the traditions that make our Corps special.
Today we celebrate our birthday in different ways, because of our deployed locations. Traditionally, the current Commandant's birthday message is read aloud and General John A. Lejeune's first birthday message is read aloud. Then a cake is cut with a traditional Marine Corps blade (Sword for some and K-Bar for others). The first piece is given to the oldest Marine, representing the respect for our predecessors and traditions. The second piece is cut by the oldest Marine and given to the youngest Marine present, representing the traditions getting passed down to the new generation. Following that, all Marines eat cake and typically tell a bunch of "remember-when" stories.
US Navy Corpsmen (medical personnel assigned to Marine Units) and Chaplains are not left out and are normally, specifically remembered in our ceremonies. They serve right there with us.
These ceremonies have happened in airports, battlefields, training areas, ball-rooms, colleges and, well, just about every climb and place.
Happy Birthday, Marines!
Semper Fi,
m
The blues uniform worn by today's enlisted Marines looks similar to that worn by our predecessors on the ships.
Marines of that day often had salt stains on their uniforms after they had been at sea for a while, so those that are seasoned veterans today are often called, "salty".
Our Corps is steeped with traditions and it is the traditions that make our Corps special.
Today we celebrate our birthday in different ways, because of our deployed locations. Traditionally, the current Commandant's birthday message is read aloud and General John A. Lejeune's first birthday message is read aloud. Then a cake is cut with a traditional Marine Corps blade (Sword for some and K-Bar for others). The first piece is given to the oldest Marine, representing the respect for our predecessors and traditions. The second piece is cut by the oldest Marine and given to the youngest Marine present, representing the traditions getting passed down to the new generation. Following that, all Marines eat cake and typically tell a bunch of "remember-when" stories.
US Navy Corpsmen (medical personnel assigned to Marine Units) and Chaplains are not left out and are normally, specifically remembered in our ceremonies. They serve right there with us.
These ceremonies have happened in airports, battlefields, training areas, ball-rooms, colleges and, well, just about every climb and place.
Happy Birthday, Marines!
Semper Fi,
m
1 comment:
And somewhere around this day 6 years ago a very wonderful young man that is you brother proposed to me at a Marine Corps celebration!!! One of my best memories!!! Hope you are staying safe, we love you and miss you!
Amy
Post a Comment