tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8994704.post-30669917939491037982007-11-10T13:27:00.000-05:002007-11-10T13:32:57.202-05:00If you know anyone who is actively serving in the Marines Corps (or who used to) you ought to wish them a happy birthday today. (I say "used to" because to the Marines, there are no ex-Marines, with the possible exception of Lee Harvey Oswald.) <br /><br />Anyway, on November 10th, 1775, the Continental Congress authorized the creation of the Marines, and since the late 1800s, the Marines have recognized 11/10 as their collective birthday. New recruits are encouraged to adopt this date as "their" birthday, symbolizing their new identity as Marines. <br /><br />The tradition doesn't end there. At Marines Corps birthday celebrations, they cut the cake with a friggin' sword. (How awesome is that?) The oldest Marine in attendance gets to sample the first piece of cake, followed by the youngest. This symbolizes the continuity of the Marine Corps tradition. <br /><br />Anyway, if you know any young or old Marines, today would be a good day to wish them a happy 232nd birthday.Tom Daschle's Ghosthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12281659881145514284noreply@blogger.com