What date is recognized as the founding of the U.S. Marine Corps during America250 commemorations?

The U.S. Marine Corps was founded on November 10, 1775, during the period remembered by America250 commemorations.

The Second Continental Congress passed a resolution creating two battalions of Continental Marines at Philadelphia’s Tun Tavern. The new force was intended to serve aboard naval vessels and conduct amphibious operations during the Revolutionary War.

The Continental Marines fought in engagements at sea and on land, including the 1776 Battle of Nassau in the Bahamas. They were disbanded after the war, but Congress re-established the Marine Corps as a permanent service in 1798.

November 10 is celebrated annually as the Marine Corps birthday. The date is often mixed up with October 13, the Navy’s birthday, because the two services share a long operational history. Marines have served aboard ships, guarded naval installations, and carried out expeditionary missions ever since.