On what date is the Marine Corps' birthday celebrated?

• A. December 13, 1636
• B. November 11, 1918
• C. October 13, 1775
• D. November 10, 1775

Answer: (D)

November 10, 1775 is celebrated as the Marine Corps birthday because that is when the Marine forces were first formed in Philadelphia, at Tun Tavern, under the leadership of the first commandant, Samuel Nicholas. This date is the traditional starting point of the United States Marine Corps and is commemorated with ceremonies and customs that honor the Corps’ origins and enduring mission.

Other dates don’t reflect the official founding: December 13, 1636 is sometimes mentioned in lore but isn’t the recognized birthday; November 11, 1918 marks the armistice ending World War I and has no bearing on the Marine Corps’ formation; October 13, 1775 is not the established date of the corps’ creation.