During the American Revolution, many important political discussions took place inside the walls of inns and taverns in Philadelphia—including one that led to the founding of the Marine Corps.

Since that day in the tavern, Marines have served and sacrificed so much for our country’s freedom.

The Beginning

In 1775, members of the Continental Congress met at Tun Tavern in Philadelphia to draft a resolution calling for two battalions of Marines to fight for independence.

The Marine Corps was designed as an amphibious, combined-arms task force—meaning they are capable of forcible entry from the air, land and sea.

The resolution officially forming the Continental Marines was approved on November 10 that year. On that day each year since 1921, we observe the Marine Corps birthday.

Heroes Emerged

Thousands of heroes have fought and sacrificed since the U.S. Marine Corps was founded. Legends such as two-time Medal of Honor recipient Dan Daly and the Marines’ most decorated member Chesty Puller fill the pages of Marine history. Other venerated Marines include:

• Gunnery Sgt. Carlos Hathcock is one of many Leatherneck legends. He joined the Corps when he was 17, and is known as one of America’s greatest snipers. Hathcock won the Wimbledon Cup for snipers—defeating 3,000 other shooters. He is credited with 93 confirmed kills in Vietnam.
• Sgt. Maj. Gilbert “Hashmark” Johnson served for 15 years in both the Army and Navy before becoming a Marine. As the first African American to join the Corps, he served as sergeant major during World War II and led 25 combat patrols in Guam.
• With 103 confirmed kills in Vietnam—the highest record in Marine Corps history—sniper Sgt. Charles “Chuck” Mawhinney is not forgotten this Veterans Day. One of Mawhinney’s greatest legends tells of how an enemy platoon was attempting to cross a river at night to attack an American base. Mawhinney waited by himself until the platoon was in the middle of crossing the river, then dropped 16 North Vietnamese soldiers with 16 shots.

Honoring the Corps

This Veterans Week, Concerned Veterans for America thanks all United States Marines who served and sacrificed so much for our country’s freedom.

Semper Fi.

The post #VetsWeek: From a Philadelphia Tavern to Foreign Shores: Honoring the U.S. Marine Corps appeared first on Concerned Veterans for America.