The Marine Corps birthday is November 10. On November 10, 1775, the Continental Congress resolved that “two Battalions of Marines be raised”, and Marines have counted their history from that day ever since. On November 10, 2026, the U.S. Marine Corps turns 251. Marines mark the day around the world with a reading of the Commandant’s birthday message, a cake-cutting ceremony and, at many commands, a formal birthday ball.
Why is the Marine Corps birthday on November 10?
The Marine Corps birthday is on November 10 because that is the date of the 1775 Continental Congress resolution that created the Continental Marines. The Continental Marines were disbanded after the Revolutionary War, and Congress re-established the Corps with an act that President John Adams approved on July 11, 1798. For years, Marines celebrated on July 11. That changed in 1921, when the Corps chose to honor its original 1775 date, according to the Marine Corps History Division.
How did the Marine Corps birthday tradition start?
The modern tradition started with Marine Corps Order No. 47 (Series 1921), issued by the 13th Commandant, Major General John A. Lejeune, on November 1, 1921. The order summarized the history, mission and traditions of the Corps and directed that it be read to every command on November 10. Commands still read it each year, together with the current Commandant’s birthday message.
| Birthday | November 10, 1775 |
|---|---|
| Re-established | July 11, 1798 |
| Department | Department of the Navy |
| Motto | Semper Fidelis (“Always Faithful”) |
| Active-duty Marines | 173,096 (DOD active-duty demographics, September 2025, via Air & Space Forces Magazine) |
| 2026 anniversary | 251st |
What happens at the Marine Corps birthday cake ceremony?
At the Marine Corps birthday cake ceremony, the cake is cut with a Mameluke sword, the curved sword carried by Marine officers. Marine sources tie that sword to Lieutenant Presley O’Bannon and the 1805 assault on Derna, in present-day Libya. The guest of honor usually receives the first piece. The second piece goes to the oldest Marine present, who passes it to the youngest Marine present, a symbol of experience passed from one generation to the next. The Corps’ own cake-cutting script notes that there is no single set-in-stone version, so the details vary by command.
How do you wish a Marine a happy birthday?
Most Marines and Marine veterans appreciate a simple “Happy birthday, Marine” or “Semper Fi” on November 10. Many veterans treat the day as more personal than Veterans Day, so a call or a message from family means a lot. For a gift, our Marine Corps veteran gifts include the Marine Corps Veteran Cap and a Marine Corps Flag Case. Muster USA orders ship within 1 to 3 business days and arrive in 5 to 12 business days, so order at least 3 weeks before the date. Delivery times are on our shipping policy page. If you are ordering in early November, the gift will arrive after the birthday, so pair it with a card or call on the day.
Is the Marine Corps part of the Navy?
The Marine Corps is a separate military service within the Department of the Navy. The Marine Corps and the Navy share a department and a Secretary, but each has its own uniformed chief: the Commandant of the Marine Corps and the Chief of Naval Operations. The Navy celebrates its own birthday a month earlier; read why in our guide to the Navy birthday on October 13.
