November 10, 2025 — 250 Years of “Semper Fidelis”
To the editor:
On Nov. 10, 1775, at Tun Tavern in Philadelphia, the United States Marine Corps was created. After 250 years, Semper Fi is still used as a greeting between marines. All marines remember their platoon number in Boot Camp, they may even remember their Drill Instructors’ names. They remember the birthday of our beloved Corps and most have been to a Marine Corps ball, an event that out-shines all other military celebrations. A few fun facts:
1. Marine Corps was founded in a tavern (bar), seems perfectly normal to marines!
2. Marines either went to Parris Island for boot camp or are Hollywood marines (MCRD San Diego)
3. Two types of marines — fleet marines or air wingers (swinging with the wing)
4. Greatest marine ever, was Lieutenant General Burwell “Chesty” Puller, awarded 5 Navy Crosses, (Goodnight Chesty Puller)
5. Leatherneck and Jar Head are names we like to hear, (Devil Dog also works).
6. No matter the MOS of a marine, they are all rifleman first.
7. Marines do not eat crayons! Well, most of us older ones didn’t!
8. Once a Marine always a Marine, no ex-marines!
9. The Marine Hymn is the only service song that mentions fighting and battles won.
10. The Marine Corps is the smallest branch of the military; Space Force and the Coast Guard don’t count.
11. Their core values are honor, courage and commitment.
On Monday, Nov 10, feel free to thank the Marines that you know for the 250 years of being America’s force in readiness, ready to answer the call whenever and wherever needed. As a Marine, a day never goes by that I don’t think of the motto, “The Few the Proud the Marines.”
Semper Fi,
Tom Ferguson
USMC 1980-1985
Pine Island