November 10, 2021 will mark the 246th birthday of the United States Marine Corps. Dating back to 1775, just a handful of months prior to the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the Marines were officially established.

As a proud flag dealer to the U.S. Marines, we’d like to honor their history and the many contributions they have made to our nation by sharing some interesting facts. Here are some of our favorite bits of trivia that we’ve learned in honor of their birthday!

1. According to Urban Legends, The First Requirements Took Place in a Bar

Marine tradition holds that the Corps was formed in a bar in Philadelphia called Tun Tavern that dates all the way back to late November in 1775. The tale goes, two officers lured potential Marines with plentiful beer and the promise of adventure on the high seas. While there might be little evidence to back up the old tavern tale, there are historians that are conveniences that a pub called the Conestoga Wagon was likely the recruitment site. The National Museum of the Marine Corps in Virginia even contains a restaurant named “Tun Tavern.”

2. The Marine Band is Nicknamed “The President’s Own”

First formed in 1798, the Marine Corps’ military band became famous for having performed at the inauguration of every American president since Thomas Jefferson. Jefferson nicknamed the Marine Band “The President’s Own,” and since then, its main purpose has been to provide music for the commander in chief at state dinners, parades, and other functions. It once even performed a Scott Joplin ragtime tune at the request of Theodore Roosevelt’s daughter Alice.

3. Marine Corps is Part of the Navy Department

While the Marine Corps is its own branch of the U.S. military, it falls under the administration of the Department of the Navy. This close working relationship started amid the American Revolution and since, Marines have serve aboard Navy ships and often train alongside the sailors. In fact, many Marine officers attend the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis.

4. World War I’s Battle of Belleau Wood Inspired Some Of The Best Coffee Brewed By Veterans -Devil Dog Coffee

In 1918, during World War I, the U.S. Marines launched an assault on the Belleau Wood forest in France by crossing a wheat field into oncoming German machine gunfire. After weeks of intense fighting, several charges on German forces, and hand-to-hand combat, the Maries were able to clear Belleau Wood of the Germans completely. It was at this time the nickname “Devil Dog” was born. As the story goes, German officers, in their battle reports, referred to the Marines as "Teufelshunde", German for "Devil Dogs", because of their fierceness and determination of the Marines.

Today, Devil Dog Coffee is brewed locally in Texas and pays tribute to several aspects of the armed forces.

Other Ways to Support - Grunt Style

In addition to supporting locally brewed coffee, other ways to support or help celebrate the Marine Corps this November is flying flags in honor of loved ones serving or who have served in the past, or supporting another veteran-based company, Grunt Style. Grunt Style represents all aspects of patriotism and all things ‘Merica! From their unique graphic T’s to their drinkware collection, and everything in between, there is something for everyones interest.

For more on the US Marine Corps, feel free to check out our website for all of our military flags and additional accessories.