Happy birthday, Marines! MFRI wants to wish all U.S. Marine Corps families an extra salute today as they celebrate the service’s 239th birthday.
On Nov. 10, 1775, the Continental Congress approved a resolution that called for two Marine battalions to fight for America's independence at sea and on the shore. Passage of the resolution officially formed the Continental Marines.
Marines share a uniquely close relationship with the Department of the Navy, as the two services participate in joint operations and Navy chaplains and medical personnel have served in the Corps.
Two years ago, more than 240,000 active duty and reserve service members served in the Corps, collectively parenting more than 134,000 children. But shifting global priorities are creating reductions across all the services, and Corps is no exception. It is currently aiming for an active duty strength of 174,000 by December 2016, according to Marine Corps Times.
Corps values include honor, courage and commitment — so evident in the ways these brave men and women have served throughout our nation's history. The Marine Corps' motto, Semper Fidelis ("always faithful") was adopted in 1883 as a reminder to remain faithful to the mission, to each other, to the Corps and to country.
MFRI salutes the Marine Corps today, as well as their families. Semper Fi!