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The United States Marine Corps traces its roots to the Continental Marines of the American Revolutionary War, formed at Tun Tavern in Philadelphia, by a resolution of the Second Continental Congress on 10 November 1775, to raise 2 battalions of Marines. That date is regarded and celebrated as the date of the Marine Corps' birthday. Join us and our supporters around the globe as we celebrate the 234th birthday of our beloved Corps on 10 November 2009.
Here again is a picture of my old outfit, the First Marine Division Band. As I said in a previous post, I proudly served in this fine unit from 1956-1959.
It is to be noted that most Marine musicians are Marines in the fullest sense of the term. Marine musicians are required to go through Recruit Training, or Boot Camp. In keeping with the proud tradition of "every Marine a rifleman," annual rifle qualification is required of men and women musicians. There is an exception for members of the “President’s Own” U.S. Marine Band in Washington, D.C., who are not required to go to Boot Camp or, as far as I know, qualify with weapons. While at war or in the field, the First Marine Division Band’s primary mission is to provide security for the Division Headquarters element. In places like Vietnam, Iraq and Afghanistan, you can get killed pretty dead doing that.
"Once a Marine, Always a Marine."
Click here to visit the band's website and hear a live performance of the song of the First Marine Division, "Waltzing Matilda," and the Marine's Hymn.
How did "Waltzing Matilda" become the division's song?
Following the Battle of Guadalcanal, the division's Marines were sent to Melbourne, Australia, to rest and refit. It was during this time that the division took the traditional Australian folk song "Waltzing Matilda" as its battle hymn. To this day, 1st Division Marines still ship out to this song being played.
How did "Waltzing Matilda" become the division's song?
Following the Battle of Guadalcanal, the division's Marines were sent to Melbourne, Australia, to rest and refit. It was during this time that the division took the traditional Australian folk song "Waltzing Matilda" as its battle hymn. To this day, 1st Division Marines still ship out to this song being played.
For more information on the United States Marine Corps and how to join, visit http://marines.com/.
SEMPER FI!
RELATED: THE HOLIEST DAY OF THE YEAR
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2 comments:
Happy Birthday, Marine.
It is interesting just how many Marines are subsequently called to Holy Orders--I think of Father Denis O'Brien, the long time Chaplain of the First Marine Division Association until he was ordered Home.
Are you a member of the FMDA? One of my favorite parts of the annual reunions is when the Band plays Waltzing Matilda.
Semper Fi,
Mac
Thanks, Mac. There does seem to be a connection between Marines and ministry, doesn't there? Maybe it's because so many of us have experienced hell in one way or another that we want to do everything possible to keep anyone else from going there! 8^D I'm not a member of FDMA, but I recently found out about the Marine Corps Musicians Association and have applied for membership. Their 2010 reunion is scheduled to be held at Camp Pendleton, hosted by the First Marine Division Band! Hope I can get there. "Waltzing Matilda" is a great song. Semper Fi!
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