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Multiple Choice

When is the birthday of the Marine Corps?

November 10, 1775 is the Marine Corps birthday because that’s when the Continental Congress authorized the formation of the Continental Marines, the forerunner of the Marine Corps, establishing its official starting point as a naval landing force. This date marks the founding moment, with early officers like Captain Samuel Nicholas leading the new force. Marines celebrate this day with ceremonies and a birthday cake to honor that origin and keep the tradition alive across generations. The other dates belong to different events—the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, the Pearl Harbor attack on December 7, 1941, and the Army’s birthday on June 14, 1775—so they aren’t the Marine Corps birthday.

November 10, 1775 is the Marine Corps birthday because that’s when the Continental Congress authorized the formation of the Continental Marines, the forerunner of the Marine Corps, establishing its official starting point as a naval landing force. This date marks the founding moment, with early officers like Captain Samuel Nicholas leading the new force. Marines celebrate this day with ceremonies and a birthday cake to honor that origin and keep the tradition alive across generations. The other dates belong to different events—the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, the Pearl Harbor attack on December 7, 1941, and the Army’s birthday on June 14, 1775—so they aren’t the Marine Corps birthday.