Marine Corps Birthday, November 10th

 All U.S. Marines are gung-ho.  But, few can match the vision and total commitment of the famous 13th Commandant, Gen. John A. Lejeune.  In 1921 he issued Marine Corps Order No. 47, Series 1921.

   Gen. Lejeune's order summarized the history, mission, and tradition of the Corps.  It further directed that the order be read to all Marines on 10 November of each year to honor the founding of the Marine Corps.  Thereafter, 10 November became a unique day for U.S. Marines throughout the world.

   Soon, some Marine commands began to not only honor the birthday, but celebrate it.  In 1923 the Marine Barracks at Ft. Mifflin, Pennsylvania, staged a formal dance.  The Marines at the Washington Navy Yard arranged a mock battle on the parade ground.  At Quantanamo Bay, Cuba, the Marine baseball team played a Cuban team and won, 9 to 8.

   The first "formal" Birthday Ball took place on Philadelphia in 1925.  First class Marine Corps style, all the way!  Guests included the Commandant, the Secretary of War (in 1925 the term "politically correct" didn't exist; it was Secretary of War, not Secretary of Defense), and a host of statesmen and elected officials.  Prior to the Ball, Gen. Lejeune unveiled a memorial plaque at Tun Tavern.  Then the entourage headed for the Benjamin Franklin Hotel and an evening of festivities and frolicking.

   Over the years the annual Birthday Ball grew and grew, taking on a life of its own.  In 1952 the Commandant, Gen. Lemuel C. Shepherd Jr., formalized the cake-cutting ceremony and other traditional observances.  For example, Marine Corps policy now mandates that the first piece of cake must be presented to the oldest U.S. Marine present.  The second piece goes to the youngest Marine.  Among the many such mandates is a solemn reading of the Commandant's birthday message to the Corps.

   Like the U.S. Marine Corps itself, the annual Birthday Ball has evolved from simple origins to the polished and professional  functions of today.  Nonetheless, one thing remains constant, the tenth day of November!  This unique holiday for warriors is a day of camaraderie, a day to honor Corps and Country.  Throughout the world on 10 November, U.S. Marines celebrate the birth of their Corps -- the most loyal, most feared, most revered, and most professional fighting force the world has ever known.

Marine Corps Infantry Weapons

Marine Corps Infantry Weapons

12 Gauge Shotgun

AN/PAQ-4A/4C Infrared Aiming Light

AN/PVS-4 Individual Weapon Night Sight

AN/PVS-5 Night Vision Goggles (NVG)

AN/PVS-7B Night Vision Goggles (NVG)

AN/TVS-5 Crew Served Weapon Night Sight

Designated Marksman Rifle (DMR)

Heavy Machine Gun Tripod (Lightweight) System (HMGT (LW))

Joint Service Combat Shotgun

M14 7.62mm Rifle

M16A2 5.56mm Rifle

M1911A1 .45 Caliber Pistol

M2 .50 Caliber Machine Gun

M203 40mm Grenade Launcher

M224 60mm Lightweight Mortar

M240G Medium Machine Gun

M252 81mm Medium Extended Range Mortar

M40A1 Sniper Rifle

M49 Telescope

M60E3 7.62mm Machine Gun

M9 Pistol

Medium Machine Gun Tripod (Lightweight) System (MMGT(LW))

MEU (SOC) Pistol

MK19 40mm Machine Gun, MOD 3

MK93 Heavy Machine Gun Mounting System

MP-5N Heckler and Koch 9mm Submachine Gun

Revolver, .38 Caliber

Squad Automatic Weapon (SAW), M249 Light Machine Gun

Soldier City US Marine T-shirts , Hats and Much More

SoldierCity is your online US Marine Corps store, with a large variety of US Marine Corps clothing, gear, and memorabilia. Our Marine surplus clothing, Marine patches, Marine medals and other Marine Corps products can't be beat! Also check out our personalized dog tags & custom embroidery. Reward yourself or the service of a loved one with something you can treasure for years to come. We're here to serve you.

Marine Veteran Rapid Dominance Black Cap

View All

Back by popular demand! Our Marine Veteran Black Capfeatures high definition embroidery and sports a comfortable wool look and feel.

USMC EGA & Semper Fi Embroidered Polo Shirt

View All

Our USMC EGA & Semper Fi Polo Shirt is direct embroidered with your EGA and the words "SEMPER FI." Made of 100% cotton pique and preshrunk for a lasting fit.

USMC EGA Black Hooded Sweatshirt

View All

This popular Marine sweatshirt is screenprinted with your Marine logo and the letters "USMC." Drawstring hood, side pockets.

Jostens US Marine Corps Rings

View All

Jostens US Marine Corps Rings represent pride in the work you do, the country you serve, and your personal sense of accomplishment. Several personalization options available.

Featured Items

Nylon American Made Marine Corps Flag

View All

This beautiful American Made Marine Corps Flagis made with 100% supreme SolarMax™ nylon for durability and longevity. UV-resistant, fade-resistant, and100% made in the U.S.A.

Vintage Grey USMC Globe and Anchor T-Shirt

View All

This vintage Marine T-shirt is super soft and perfect for everyday use. Featuring your EGA and the letters "USMC" in big, bold print. Officially licensed by the United States Marine Corps.

Aquaforce® Marines Combat Watch

View All

This beautiful new Marine Watch is USMC-licensed and features your EGA in the center. Water-resistant up to 50 meters with a high quality rubber strap, stainless steel back, and quartz movement.

Closeout Marine Corps Caps:Starting at Only $4.99!

View All

We were able to buy 100's of stylish Marine Corps caps at a great price, and now we're passing the SAVINGS on to you! Embroidered 3-D front, stitching on bill, Velcro closure. HURR

VA Home Loans

Lower Payments

Competitive rates and no private mortgage insurance requirement mean low monthly payments.

0% Down

VA loans don't require any money down at closing - a benefit that almost no other loan can offer.

Easier to Qualify

The VA Loan is designed to make approval easier for the unique situations military families face.

First-Time Buyers

VA Loans are a great option for first-time homebuyers. More information

A Rich History

Since its inception in 1944, the VA Loan has been used by over 18 million families. For nearly 70 years, this program has made it possible for families just like yours to experience the pride of homeownership. In today's tough economy, the VA Loan program continues to shine brightly and forge ahead on its mission of making homeownership possible for the brave men and women who serve our country.

Learn More

$65B

Total amount of VA Loans
issued in FY2010

52%

Percentage of FY2010 VA Loans
made to first-time buyers

89%

Percentage of VA Loans in
FY2010 closed with $0 down

314k

Total VA Loans guaranteed
in FY2010

Millions Qualify

In general, a service member is eligible for a VA Loan if he or she meets any one of these requirements:

• Served 181 days during peacetime (Active Duty)

• Served 90 days during war time (Active Duty)

• Served 6 years in the Reserves or National Guard

• You are the spouse of a service member who died while in service or from a service-connected disability.

Get Started Now

Getting started on your VA Loan is quick and easy. To begin, simply complete our brief no-obligation questionnaire or give us a call at            800-884-5560      . Our team of VA Loan specialists is focused on providing you with top-quality service, making the entire process as easy as possible. We'll discuss your situation with you and provide helpful guidance on what to do next.

The Post-9/11 GI-Bill

Beginning August 1, 2011, break (or interval pay) will no longer be payable under MGIB-AD except during periods your school is closed as a result of an Executive Order of the President or an emergency (such as a natural disaster or strike). For example, if your Fall term ends on December 15th and your Spring term begins January 10th, your January housing allowance will cover 15 days in December and your February housing allowance will cover 21 days in January.

The Post-9/11 GI Bill provides financial support for education and housing to individuals with at least 90 days of aggregate service after September 10, 2001, or individuals discharged with a service-connected disability after 30 days. You must have received an honorable discharge to be eligible for the Post-9/11 GI Bill.

For more information see our Post-9/11 GI Bill pamphlet

The Post-9/11 GI Bill is effective August 1, 2009. Approved training under the Post-9/11 GI Bill includes graduate and undergraduate degrees, vocational/technical training, on-the-job training, flight training, correspondence training, licensing and national testingprograms, entrepreneurship training, and tutorial assistance. All training programs must be approved for GI Bill benefits.

The Post 9-11 GI Bill will pay eligible individuals:

• Your full tuition & fees directly to the school for all public school in-state students. For those attending private or foreign schools tuition & fees are capped at $17,500 per academic year. Click here for more information. 
• If you are attending a private Institution of Higher Learning in AZ, MI, NH, NY, PA, SC or TX you may be eligible for a higher tuition reimbursement rate. Click here for more information.
• For those attending a more expensive private school or a public school as a non-resident out-of-state student, a program exists which may help to reimburse the difference. This program is called the “Yellow Ribbon Program”. (Click on the link for more information about the Yellow Ribbon Program, not everyone is eligible for the program). 
  
• A monthly housing allowance (MHA) based on the Basic Allowance for Housing for an E-5 with dependents at the location of the school. For those enrolled solely in distance learning the housing allowance payable is equal to ½ the national average BAH for an E-5 with dependents ($673.50 for the 2011 academic year & $684.00 for the 2012 academic year). For those attending foreign schools (schools without a main campus in the U.S.) the BAH rate is fixed at $1,347.00 for the 2011 academic year & $1,368.00 for the 2012 academic year. The academic year begins on August 1. (Active duty students & their spouses cannot receive the MHA). 
  
• An annual books & supplies stipend of $1,000 paid proportionately based on enrollment.
  
• A one-time rural benefit payment for eligible individuals.

This benefit provides up to 36 months of education benefits, generally benefits are payable for 15 years following your release from active duty.

The Post-9/11 GI Bill also offers some service members the opportunity to transfer their GI Bill to dependents.