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Every 10th November, United States Marines gather.. no matter where they are deployed, no matter where they are, no matter what they're doing, and spends a few moments thinking back to our birth. Tomorrow (Monday) is the 10th of November.. the 239th Birthday of the United States Marine Corps. While Im no longer amongst my Brothers in Arms, I still try to celebrate and remember where I came from. As is tradition (and standing orders), three things take place. First, there's the gathering of Marines (Usually in formation), second there's the reading of Maj Gen John A. Lejeune's Birthday Message, and finally there's the passing of cake from the Eldest Marine to the Youngest, signifying the passing of knowledge and the torch from one generation of Marines to the next. Given that the internet is a gathering place for Marines (Many of whom are in my friends list on several forums/chat systems etc), we'll consider the first part covered. The second: 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 As for the third.. There's only so much you can do online. Happy Birthday Marines.. no matter where you are, what you're doing, who you're with.. enjoy your day.. remember who we are, celebrate where we come from.. watch your six and come back home safely.