THE CADENCE OF A NATION

This Nation has a cadence born of more than two centuries of confidence and ambition. If you listen closely, you’ll also hear the cadence of the United States Marine Corps in lock step. From the moment a young country first called Marines to arms, the Corps has been what America has put her trust in. Each Marine Corps birthday, we celebrate all that has been—and all that continues to be.

244TH MARINE CORPS BIRTHDAY

A birthday cadence for the storied legacy of the Marine Corps. For the first time in 244 years, 10 November is set to cadence.

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    MAKING OF THE BIRTHDAY CADENCE

    Go inside the making of the Marine Corps birthday cadence. See the writers and the cadence callers that made it all possible.

    Nathaniel Fick Video Player
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    MAKING OF THE BIRTHDAY CADENCE

    Go inside the making of the Marine Corps birthday cadence. See the writers and the cadence callers that made it all possible.

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    Prev

    MAKING OF THE BIRTHDAY CADENCE

    Marines at Parris Island practice different iterations of a new birthday cadence.

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    MAKING OF THE BIRTHDAY CADENCE

    Marines at Parris Island practice different iterations of a new birthday cadence.

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    MAKING OF THE BIRTHDAY CADENCE

     

    Professional audio equipment was used to record not just the cadence but also the sound of boots hitting the deck.

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    MAKING OF THE BIRTHDAY CADENCE

     

    Professional audio equipment was used to record not just the cadence but also the sound of boots hitting the deck.

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    MAKING OF THE BIRTHDAY CADENCE

     

    Gunnery Sergeant Santos shares ideas for the writing of the birthday cadence.

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    MAKING OF THE BIRTHDAY CADENCE

     

    Gunnery Sergeant Santos shares ideas for the writing of the birthday cadence.

BirthdayCadence

It is on 10 November of every year that our Nation, our Corps and our Marines pay tribute to all the Marine Corps Birthday symbolizes. To help us celebrate the Birthday this year, we’re unveiling, for the first time ever, a brand new birthday running cadence.

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Learn about all the traditions surrounding the Marine Corps birthday.
Birthday Balls are held all over the world for Marines to honor and celebrate their legacy since 1775.
Since 1921, the reading of Major General John A. Lejeune’s Order No. 47 has been a mainstay of every Marine Corps Birthday Ball, serving as the official verbal declaration of the history, mission and traditions of the Corps.
A few days before the birthday, a large group of Marines complete a moto run. Units from all over the world also run in celebration.
Cake is given to the oldest Marine in attendance and then passed to the youngest. This signifies the passing of experience and knowledge from the old to the young in the Corps.
Marines cut their cake with a sword at the Birthday Ball. The oldest issued weapon in the United States military arsenal is the NCO sword.
No matter where Marines are on 10 November, they gather in celebration. Every Marine deserves to hear the words, “Happy Birthday, Marine.”
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