History & Heritage
The heritage that defines the Corps: the founding at Tun Tavern, 'Semper Fidelis', the nickname 'Devil Dogs', and the traditions encoded in the Marines' Hymn.
When and where was the Marine Corps founded?
November 10, 1775, at Tun Tavern in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, by a resolution of the Continental Congress.
What is the Marine Corps motto and what does it mean?
'Semper Fidelis' (Latin for 'Always Faithful'). Adopted in 1883; it is the official motto of the Marine Corps.
Where does the nickname 'Devil Dogs' come from?
Reportedly from the Battle of Belleau Wood (1918) in World War I, where Germans called Marines 'Teufelshunde' (Devil Dogs) for their ferocity.
What was the Marines' first engagement?
The Battle of Nassau in the Bahamas (March 1776) during the Revolutionary War — the first amphibious landing by Marines.
When is the Marine Corps Birthday celebrated?
November 10th every year, marking the 1775 founding. It is the oldest official holiday in the U.S. military.
Why are Marines called 'Leathernecks'?
From the leather stock (a high leather collar) worn around the neck in the 18th–19th centuries to protect against sword blows and keep the head erect.
What do the Marine Corps battle color streamers represent?
Each streamer represents a campaign the Marine Corps has fought in, going back to the Revolutionary War — they are carried on the Battle Color of the Marine Corps.
Why is the Battle of Belleau Wood significant?
Fought in June 1918 in France, it stopped the German advance toward Paris and established the Marines' reputation for tenacity. The French renamed the wood 'Bois de la Brigade de Marine'.
What is significant about the flag raising on Mount Suribachi?
On February 23, 1945, during the Battle of Iwo Jima, Marines raised the U.S. flag atop Mount Suribachi. The moment was captured in Joe Rosenthal's iconic photograph and became a symbol of Marine valor.
What are the opening lines of the Marines' Hymn?
'From the Halls of Montezuma to the shores of Tripoli.' These reference the Battle of Chapultepec (Mexican-American War) and the Battle of Derna (First Barbary War).
What does 'shores of Tripoli' refer to?
The Battle of Derna (1805) in the First Barbary War — the first time the U.S. flag was raised on foreign soil, by Marines and allies.
What does 'Halls of Montezuma' refer to?
The Battle of Chapultepec (1847) during the Mexican-American War, where Marines stormed the castle and the 'blood stripe' in dress blue trousers commemorates officer casualties there.
What is the 'blood stripe' on dress blues and what does it honor?
The red stripe on the trousers of NCOs and officers. It commemorates the officers and NCOs killed at the Battle of Chapultepec in 1847.
What is the Mameluke Sword and why do Marine officers carry it?
A curved sword first presented to Lieutenant Presley O'Bannon after the Battle of Derna (1805). Marine officers have carried the Mameluke sword ever since as a symbol of that victory.
Are the Marines the oldest U.S. military service?
No — the Marine Corps was founded November 10, 1775. The Navy was founded October 13, 1775, and the Army June 14, 1775. The Marine Corps Birthday (Nov 10) is the oldest official military holiday.