Mike Parker: Marine Corps celebrates 251st birthday
The Marine Corps hymn begins with this stanza: “From the Halls of Montezuma / To the shores of Tripoli; / We fight our country’s battles / In the air, on land, and sea: / First to fight for right and freedom / And to keep our honor clean; / We are proud to claim the title / Of United States Marine.”
The Marine Corps started as the Continental Marines during the American Revolutionary War. The Continental Congress formed this branch by resolution on November 10, 1775, and first recruited volunteers at Tun Tavern in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Marines served as landing troops for the recently created Continental Navy. The Continental Marines were disbanded at the end of the war in April 1783 but re-formed on July 11, 1798. Despite the gap, Marines still celebrate November 10 as the Marine Corps Birthday.
The Marine Corps achieved fame in several campaigns referenced in the first line of the Marine Corps Hymn: “From the halls of Montezuma to the shores of Tripoli.” In the early 19th century, First Lieutenant Presley O’Bannon led a group of seven Marines and several hundred Egyptian Mameluke soldiers in deposing the dictator of Tripoli.
Years later, the Marines took part in the Mexican-American War (1846-1848) and assaulted the Castle of Chapultepec, a strong fortress overlooking Mexico City. Afterward, Marines guarded the Mexican Presidential Palace, “The Halls of Montezuma.” During the Mexican-American War, the Marines earned the name “leatherneck” for the thick leather collars they wore to ward off saber blows.
From the Corps’ formation on November 10, 1775, U.S. Marines have repeatedly proven their versatility in shipboard duties, in raids such as the attack on New Providence, and in land battles such as Trenton and Princeton.
The reestablished Marine Corps quickly demonstrated its strategic value during the Quasi-War with France and the First Barbary War, most notably in the capture of Derna, Libya.
During the War of 1812, Marines distinguished themselves both at sea and on land, earning praise at battles such as Lake Erie, Bladensburg, and New Orleans. Throughout this formative period, the Corps built its institutional foundations under early Commandants. By 1820, the Marine Corps had earned a reputation for being a disciplined, adaptable, and indispensable military force.
The Marine Corps is a branch of the United States Armed Forces operating under the Department of the Navy. Although it operates under the Department of the Navy, the Marines have always maintained their own command structure.
Working with the Navy, Army, Air Force, and other branches, the Marine Corps is known for its focus on expeditionary warfare and its ability to respond quickly to crises around the world. The Marine Corps’ mission can be summarized by its motto: “Semper Fidelis,” meaning “Always Faithful.”
In World War I, Marines fought in significant battles like Belleau Wood in France, earning them the nickname “Devil Dogs” from German forces. In later conflicts, Marines remained known for their success in harsh conditions. This includes the battles of Guadalcanal, Tarawa, Iwo Jima, and Okinawa in World War II; the Battle of Chosin Reservoir during the Korean War; and major battles like Hue City and Khe Sanh during the Vietnam War.
After the Vietnam War, the Marines adapted and modernized to the changing military landscape by participating in peacekeeping missions and the Gulf War of 1990-1991. Following 9/11, the Marines conducted combat missions in Afghanistan and Iraq, along with training local security forces.
Infantry units are the backbone of the Marines. Marines are trained and equipped for ground combat operations, including service as riflemen, machine gunners, mortarmen, and anti-tank missilemen.
The Marines also operate a wide range of aircraft, including fighter jets, helicopters, transport planes, and uncrewed aerial vehicles. Aviation units provide close air support, transport, reconnaissance, and other services to support ground forces.
Marine armor and artillery units provide firepower and support to ground forces. This support includes tanks, artillery guns, and other heavy weapons systems used to suppress enemy positions. The Marines have special operations forces, including Marine Raiders and Force Reconnaissance units, trained to conduct missions such as direct action, special reconnaissance, and unconventional warfare.
As one of the most elite branches of the United States Armed Forces celebrates its 251st birthday, we can all be grateful for the Few … the Proud … the Marines.
Mike Parker is a columnist for the Neuse News. You can reach him at mparker16@gmail.com.
