Happy birthday to the U.S. Marine Corps!
John P. McCann:
A venerable Marine Corps tale goes like this: charged by the Continental Congress with raising two battalions of Marines, Captain Samuel Nicholas established recruiting headquarters at Philadelphia’s Tun Tavern. There he enlisted a new recruit and told the man to wait outside. Two minutes later, a second recruit joined the first.
Second Recruit: "So is being a Marine tough?"
First Recruit: "This is nothing. You should’ve been here in the Old Corps." ...
[E]ach unit’s commanding officer slices the birthday cake. As these are Marines, a Mameluke sword is used. ...
Generally, the unit commander presents the first piece of cake to the oldest Marine, who in turns presents the second piece to the youngest Marine, symbolizing care for the troops in your charge--and the passing of tradition from older to younger. In a way, it’s similar to a Bar Mitzvah, held by warriors.
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