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Ever since 1 November 1921, it has been a standing order that three things take place on the birthday of the Marine Corps every 10th November. First, a formation is held by every Marine Command across the globe given the safety of the Marines under their charge. Second, the Birthday Message written by General John A Lejeune is read as a reminder of who the Marines were, who they are, and who they will be. Finally, there is a traditional cutting of cake whereby the eldest Marine present, passes the first piece to the youngest Marine Present. This signifies the act of passing the duty of the Corps, the passing of knowledge, and the passing of tradition on to the next generation.

In Ordo, we hold a very similar tradition. Every 5th November we gather, we remember, and we pass on everything we've learned to the next generation. The ceremony held earlier tonight during the Group Meeting, to me, completes two of the three standing orders for Marines, I offer the third part for all of our Marines here in Ordo, at home with their families, or abroad serving their Country and their Corps. I know it's a few days early but I'll be at work on the 236th birthday of the Marine Corps and will celebrate it in my own way.

Semper Fi Marines.

MARINE CORPS ORDERS

No. 47 (Series 1921)

HEADQUARTERS U.S. MARINE CORPS

Washington, November 1, 1921

759. The following will be read to the command on the 10th of November, 1921, and hereafter on the

10 November of every year. Should the order not be received by the 10th of November, 1921, it

will be read upon receipt.

(1) On November 10, 1775, a Corps of Marines was created by a resolution of Continental

Congress. Since that date many thousand men have borne the name "Marine". In memory of them it is

fitting that we who are Marines should commemorate the birthday of our corps by calling to mind the

glories of its long and illustrious history.

(2) The record of our corps is one which will bear comparison with that of the most famous

military organizations in the world's history. During 90 of the 146 years of its existence the

Marine Corps has been in action against the Nation's foes. From the Battle of Trenton to the

Argonne, Marines have won foremost honors in war, and in the long eras of tranquility at home,

generation after generation of Marines have grown gray in war in both hemispheres and in every

corner of the seven seas, that our country and its citizens might enjoy peace and security.

(3) In every battle and skirmish since the birth of our corps, Marines have acquitted themselves

with the greatest distinction, winning new honors on each occasion until the term "Marine" has come

to signify all that is highest in military efficiency and soldierly virtue.

(4) This high name of distinction and soldierly repute we who are Marines today have received

from those who preceded us in the corps. With it we have also received from them the eternal spirit

which has animated our corps from generation to generation and has been the distinguishing mark of

the Marines in every age. So long as that spirit continues to flourish Marines will be found equal

to every emergency in the future as they have been in the past, and the men of our Nation will

regard us as worthy successors to the long line of illustrious men who have served as "Soldiers of

the Sea" since the founding of the Corps.

JOHN A. LEJEUNE,

Major General Commandant

75705—21

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