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News | Nov. 10, 2020

Marine Corps turns 245

By Leon Moore DLA Aviation Public Affairs

On this day, in 1775, the Second Continental Congress, meeting in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, passed a resolution establishing the Marine Corps to augment naval forces in the Revolutionary War. The recruiting headquarters was set up in the Tun Tavern on Water Street in Philadelphia, which is considered to be the birthplace of the Marines.

Years later, in 1883, Semper Fidelis, the Latin phrase meaning "always faithful,” would become the official of the Corps. Semper Fi embodies the promise to always remain faithful, no matter what.

In celebration of 245-years of faithful service, Marines assigned to Defense Logistics Agency Aviation’s Customer Operations Directorate’s United States Marine Corp Customer Facing Division held a cake cutting ceremony in the Lotts Conference Center on Defense Supply Center Richmond, Nov. 10.

Capt. Sheena Grady served as master of ceremony for the event, which kicked off with a video that incorporated a message from the Commandant of the Marine Corps Gen. David Berger with personal stories of bravery from those Marines who served in World War II, Vietnam and Afghanistan.

Col. Larry Herring, chief of the USMC Customer Facing Division, gave a short, heartfelt speech about the importance of celebrating the birthday of the Corps.

“It is an opportunity for us as Marine’s to reflect back on our heritage and of those who came before us and the legacy and the foundation they laid for us,” he said.

Chicnee Brown, senior executive assistant within DLA Aviation’s Office of the Commander, was one of many who attended the ceremony. She retired from the Corps in 2012 after 15-years of service.

She said the Marine Corps birthday is special to her not just because it’s a tradition to celebrate the birth of her beloved Corps, but because of the values and ethos it stands for.

“The Marine Corps has taught me that despite racial inequality, civil unrest, and political differences, the few who earned the title of Marine past, present, and future, we are all brothers and sisters. I continue to live my life as a non-active duty Marine by our core values of honor, courage and commitment,” she said.