Happy Birthday!

" November 10, 1775

The United States Marine Corps was established on November 10, 1775, to augment naval forces in the Revolutionary War. The recruiting headquarters was set up by Capt. Samuel Nicholas in the Tun Tavern on Water Street in Philadelphia, which is considered to be the birthplace of the Marines." internet  This makes it older than the U.S. Army.

     Part of our Marine Boot  Camp was learning the history of the Corps. Chris sent me a six question trivia test about Marine history. Getting five of six questions correct I assume a passing grade. 

    November 10, was always celebrated in the Marines with a special meal and a huge birthday cake. The oldest Marine present got the first piece of cake. Ed and I always phone "Happy Birthday" on the anniversary and today was no exception. When he left church he saw that I had called. A friend here in Sinai even sent me birthday greeting text, and he's not even a Marine.

   Speaking of Ed, sixty-five years ago we were one month from boot camp graduation. A lot of water over the dam since then but we're both still upright and he's still farming.

   My Lutheran reader will also recognize this date as Martin Luther's birthday. When living in downtown Minneapolis our condo number was 1517, which the Lutheran reader will know as the date Luther posted the 95 thesis on the church door in Wittenberg. 

Semper Fi.

Al

                  Ed and I in a hotel room in Tokyo in 1961.