I know this has nothing to do with the AT, WB or most anything else on here, but I feel that it's an issue important enough to mention.
Today marks the 233rd Birthday of the United States Marine Corps. On 10 November 1775, the Continental Congress passed the Continental Marine Act of 1775, thereby establishing the Continental Marines. The Continental Marines would be the building blocks of what would eventually evolve into the world's finest fighting force, the United States Marine Corps.
The following decree changed the future of all naval infantry forever:
That two battalions of Marines be raised consisting of one Colonel, two lieutenant-colonels, two majors and other officers, as usual in other regiments; that they consist of an equal number of privates as with other battalions, that particular care be taken that no persons be appointed to offices, or enlisted into said battalions, but such as are good seamen, or so acquainted with maritime affairs as to be able to serve for and during the present war with Great Britain and the Colonies; unless dismissed by Congress; that they be distinguished by the names of the First and Second Battalions of Marines.
To all my Brother/Sister Marines/Green Sailors (you know who you are) here on WB and around the world, I'd like to wish you a Happy Birthday. I hope at some point today you'll take a moment to raise a glass to our beloved Corps. If you've never earned the title, then thank someone who has, for it by no accident or coincidence that you live in a free society, but rather by the hard work, sacrifice and dedication of generations of Marines putting themselves in harm's way time and time again. Happy Birthday Devil Dogs and Semper Fidelis!