Did you know?
Photo credit: www.FlagPictures.org
Under Michigan law, the flag of each branch of service is flown over the state Capitol on the service founding date. Since June, we’ve looked at the U.S. Army, the U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Air Force, and U.S. Navy. Today, we honor and salute the men and women — past and present — who proudly represent the United States Marine Corps (USMC).
The Marines at a Glance:
- Founded November 10, 1775
- Motto: Semper Fidelis (‘Always Loyal’)
- Colors: Scarlet and Gold
- March: The Marine’s Hymn
For 240 years the USMC has been defending our country in the air, on land, and at sea. Starting out as the Continental Marines in 1775, the role of the Corps has since expanded to aerial warfare. It has also distinguished itself in the majority of American wars, from its inception to the modern era, and attained prominence in the 20th century when its theories and practices of amphibious warfare, which played prominent roles in the Pacific theater of World War II. The Corps’ ability to respond rapidly on short notice helps it play a strong role in the implementation and execution of American foreign policy.
As of 2010, the USMC has around 194,000 active duty members and just under 40,000 reserve Marines. It is the smallest of the U.S. Armed Forces within the U.S. Department of Defense (but don’t tell them that).
Learn more at www.Marines.mil or www.Marines.com.
The Marines on Film:
- A Few Good Men (1992)
- Flags of Our Fathers (2006)
- Rules of Engagement (2000)
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