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- Federal
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- AmericanMilitary
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- United States
- Date change rule:
- Every November 10
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- 🇺🇸
USMC Day honors the founding of the United States Marine Corps every November 10. Since 1775, this elite fighting force has defended American interests globally. Take time to recognize the sacrifices and unwavering commitment of these brave men and women, past and present. Learn about their storied history, share your gratitude, and support Marine families.
Want to sponsor USMC Day? Learn how
Expected USMC Day Deals
For USMC Day, appreciation programs for active-duty and veteran Marines are key. Many restaurants and retailers offer special discounts or free meals on November 10 for those with valid military ID. Brands like Under Armour and Oakley often extend year-round military discounts or launch special collections. Organizations such as the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation and the Semper Fi & America’s Fund receive increased donations. Look for local businesses hosting recognition events or offering exclusive services. We will update this page with confirmed live deals as November 10 approaches.
Platform Guide for USMC Day
Tag National Today (linkedin.com/company/nationaltoday) and use #USMCDay. Share stories of Marine veterans in your workplace or community.
X/Twitter
Mention @NatlToday and use #USMCDay. Share historical facts about the Marine Corps or express gratitude to service members.
Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #USMCDay. Post photos of local Marine Corps birthday celebrations or thank a Marine you know.
USMC Day Hero
Major General John A. Lejeune
History of USMC Day
The Continental Congress adopted a resolution during the American Revolution directing that “two Battalions of Marines be recruited” to serve as landing forces for the newly established Continental Navy. The Continental Marines were established by a resolution authored by eventual U.S. president John Adams and passed in Philadelphia, and the date is now commemorated as the United States Marine Corps’ birth date.
The original U.S. Marines proved themselves in several pivotal operations during the Revolutionary War, both on land and at sea. When a force of Marines led by Captain Samuel Nicholas took New Providence Island from the British in March 1776, it was the first time they landed on a hostile coast.
Nicholas was the Continental Marines’ first commissioned officer and is known as the first Marine commander. The Continental Navy was disbanded and the Marine Corps was abolished after the United States gained independence in 1783.
However, escalating combat at sea against Revolutionary France over the next decade prompted the United States Congress to formally establish the United States Navy in May 1798. On July 11, two months later, President John Adams signed a bill creating the United States Marine Corps as a permanent military power under the Department of Navy’s command.
During the early 1800s, U.S. Marines battled against the Barbary pirates of North Africa in the Quasi-War with France. Since then, Marines have fought in all of the United States’ wars, and in many cases, they were the first to battle. Marines have since carried out more than 300 landings on foreign soils.
USMC Day timeline
The Second Continental Congress creates the Continental Marines on November 10.
A force of Marines led by Captain Samuel Nicholas take over New Providence Island in the Bahamas, marking the very first Marine landing on hostile ground.
The Continental Navy and the Marine Corps are disbanded after the U.S. gains its independence.
President John Adams approves a law establishing the United States Marine Corps as a permanent military corps under the Department of Navy on July 11, just two months after it was reestablished.
How Businesses Can Celebrate USMC Day
Local businesses can honor USMC Day by offering special discounts or complimentary items to active-duty Marines and veterans with valid ID. Restaurants might feature a ‘Semper Fi’ meal, while retailers could create patriotic displays or donate a portion of sales to Marine-focused charities. Consider hosting a small recognition event or sponsoring a local Marine Corps League chapter. Agencies can highlight their veteran employees and their contributions to the team.
USMC Day FAQs
When is USMC Day?
USMC Day 2026 falls on Tuesday, November 10, marking the 251st anniversary of the Marine Corps’ founding. It’s a day of solemn reflection and proud celebration for Marines worldwide.
How many active-duty Marines are there?
As of 2026, the United States Marine Corps maintains an active-duty force of approximately 177,000 Marines, with an additional 33,000 in the Reserve. This makes them a lean, agile fighting force.
What is the significance of November 10 for the Marine Corps?
November 10, 1775, marks the date the Second Continental Congress resolved to raise two battalions of Continental Marines, establishing the Corps at Tun Tavern in Philadelphia. It’s the official birthday of the USMC.
Is USMC Day a federal holiday?
No, USMC Day is not a federal holiday, meaning government offices and most businesses remain open. However, it is widely observed within the Marine Corps and by military communities.
How to Observe USMC Day
Browse through the Marine Corps Memorial
The Marine Corps Memorial symbolizes the history of the group and demonstrates the iconic status of the U.S. Marines. The statue is of six Marines hoisting the American flag on a mountaintop in the heat of the Battle of Iwo Jima.
Celebrate a Marine
If you have a family member or friend who is serving or has previously served in the Marine Corps, celebrate them and express your gratitude for the sacrifices they've made for their country. If you are a business owner, you can offer a discount to current and retired Marines on USMC Day.
Create awareness
You can do your part in celebrating the U.S. Marines by sharing information about the Marine Corps on social media. Join the online movement and invite friends and family to share as well.
5 Facts About Marines Corps That Will Blow Your Mind
A proper birthday party
On USMC Day, the first three slices of cake are offered to the guest of honor, the oldest surviving Marine, and the youngest Marine in attendance during the cake-cutting ceremony.
Keeping famous company
Service members are known to ask their favorite celebrities to accompany them to the yearly birthday event via social media.
Friends in low places
The Marines were founded in a bar: the Tun Tavern, Philadelphia.
Well-stacked
The average Marine carries equipment and gear worth about $14,000.
An unassuming bunch
The Marines remain the smallest branch of the DoD’s (Department of Defense) armed forces.
Why USMC Day is Important
Eye-catching threads
Marine dress blues are arguably the best-looking dress uniforms, as any member of the other services will attest. Notwithstanding the countless crayon and glue taunts, every other group understands that if Marines show up in their dress blues at the bar, it's game over for them.
Winning bunch
The only occasion the U.S. Marine Corps surrendered in its entire history was during WWII, when a few hundred Marines faced vastly overwhelming numbers of Japanese forces with naval backup.
The Marines are self-sufficient
They have their very own aerial support, armor, and troops, among other things. The Marine Corps can do a great deal without much help.
USMC Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | November 10 | Tuesday |
| 2027 | November 10 | Wednesday |
| 2028 | November 10 | Friday |
| 2029 | November 10 | Saturday |
| 2030 | November 10 | Sunday |
Social Media Tips for USMC Day
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