The Marine Corps is celebrating its 242nd birthday this month.
On Nov. 10, 1775, the Second Continental Congress established the Continental Marines as part of the Continental Army. Fifteen years later, on July 11, 1798, President John Adams signed into law a congressional act that re-created the United States Marine Corps. The force served in addition to the Army and Navy and organized the Marines who already were enlisted in other military branches.
WWI marked one of the first times the Marines were heavily used in land battles, when Marines and Army troops fought with Germans in Belleau Wood. Media coverage of the battle helped solidify the Marines’ reputation as an elite fighting force, but not without casualty. More than 5,000 Marines were killed or wounded – more than all of their engagements in the 18th and 19th centuries combined.
Sayings in the Marine Corps
Semper Fidelis: Latin for “Always Faithful.”
Ooo-Rah: The battle cry among Marines, which can be used as a greeting, a term of affirmation or a way of expressing enthusiasm.
Ductus Exemplo: Latin for “lead by example.” This is the official motto of Officer Candidates School. Being a marine isn’t about giving or receiving orders; it’s about behaving in a manner that inspires others.
Read what some of our Marine Corp spouses have been up to in the past year:
Jessica Rudd, 2017 Armed Forces Insurance Marine Corps Spouse of the Year
“Hello Marine Corps family! I’m currently stationed in Quantico at The Basic School. The past few years have been busy and full of excitement from homeschooling and serving as a Family Readiness Assistant for 3rd Batallion 11th Marine to finding a new career path and training for a the Marine Corps Marathon. I’m so thankful for the opportunities, places and friendships the Marine Corps has been able to bring into our lives. Happy Birthday Marines and Semper Fidelis!”
Holly Vega, 2017 Quantico Base Spouse of the Year
“This year, L.I.N.K.S. is celebrating its 20th year anniversary. Each Marine and joint installation will be hosting an event during the 2017 year. MacDill-AFB celebrated on Oct. 19. I took my first L.I.N.K.S class in 2002. I am very honored to have been asked to help put on this event/class. Also, I was offered the co-volunteer chair to help with the MacDill International Coalition spouses group. I will be helping with the monthly event that is called “Thriving in America.” I also created a team for the 2017 Tampa Bay Heart Walk that is scheduled for Nov. 11. The group is called Matters of the Heart for the Facebook group I oversee. I hope to raise $600 dollars by Nov. 1. Every bit counts and I am super excited to wear a red tutu with my daughter and march the streets of Tampa!”
Dontaye Scott-Neal, 2017 Parris Island Spouse of the Year
“We’re currently stationed at Camp Lejeune, N.C. In between working on my masters and opening a new business, I am serving on the family board for children with disabilities, helping with the PTA, and advocating for foster/adoptive children. I am currently working on a program with base that allows Marine Corp families to become certified foster/adoptive parents through a quicker process. I am so very thankful for friendships and family members I have gained throughout my lifetime from being a military child to a military spouse. Also, from being a military veteran, I am also thankful for all the wonderful opportunities given to not only myself, but my family too. Happy Birthday Marine Corps and Semper Fidelis!”
Jessica Del Pizzo, 2017 Cherry Point Spouse of the Year
We just finished PCSing from MCAS Cherry Point to Washington, D.C. My husband returned from a seven-month deployment supporting SPMAGTF-CR-CC. Three weeks before we packed up, so it’s been a whirlwind of a summer, but I’m excited to get settled into the area with our kids and the new school year, as well as all the volunteer opportunities the National Capital Region has to offer. I’m thankful to reconnect with other USMC families at this duty station and look forward to meeting more military spouses in the area. Happy 242nd birthday Marine Corps and Semper Fi!
Stephanie Muckey, 2016 MCB Hawaii Spouse of the Year
“2017 marked my husband’s 20th year in the Marine Corps and counting. I couldn’t be prouder of the man he is or more grateful for our many blessings that are a direct result of our Marine Corps life. This summer we PCS’d from Hawaii to Quantico and purchased our first house! We are ambitiously making our way through a lifetime of pinned DIY home makeover endeavors. Our girls are settled into a new school and now it’s time to continue my military support services career where I left off. My resume is prepped and applications are dropping. Look out NOVA, another passionate MSOY is here to make a difference!”
Jennifer Marple, 2015 MCB Hawaii Spouse of the Year
“2017 has been a little on the busy side for my family. I was a Family Readiness Officer for one of the units in Hawaii, helping Marines and their families with resources and Information. I assisted with homecomings and deployment departures and managed a spouse volunteer program within the unit. Not only was I a Family Readiness Officer for another unit, I was also an appointed Family Readiness Assistant for my husband’s unit. This allowed me to stay active within his unit as a volunteer. My husband received orders to Naval Air Station Patuxent River and we just got here in August. I’m looking forward to getting settled and hit the ground running with other spouses in the area. Happy Birthday, Marine Corps!”
Jessica Curren, 2017 MCB Camp Courtney Spouse of the Year
“This past year has been a doozy for our family. Our Marine has recently returned home from an unaccompanied tour where he went after having a successful tour as a drill instructor. We are currently stationed at Camp Lejeune. Having left one of my favorite volunteer efforts (a local VA), I have started an externship at a local veterinary hospital. After 12 years of serving service members and their families, I get to practice my dream job. It feels wonderful to be a complete family once again. Happy Birthday Marines!”
Hillary Rose Wilkerson, 2017 MCAS Miramar Spouse of the Year
“From becoming 2017 MCAS Miramar SOY to moving across the world in the same month, it’s been an adventurous year! I’d be lying if I said I didn’t fear the unknown, but being a USMC spouse has prepared me to adapt to change. The Outlaws Spouses Club in Iwakuni has helped me embrace Japanese culture. To help connect spouses throughout Japan, I administrate a Facebook group with almost 1,000 members and host spouse socials. I’ve recently been promoted to assistant director within my career and I’m taking full advantage of my time overseas by completing my degree. Happy Birthday Marines!”