Rockford Sun

In a Nov. 10 Facebook post, Sen. Dave Syverson marked the anniversary of the founding of the U.S. Marine Corps.

“Today we celebrate 247 years of the @USMC! Happy Birthday,” he wrote on Facebook.

In a Nov. 10 tweet, the U.S. Marine Corps shared a message celebrating the organization's anniversary: "Happy Birthday, Marines! For 247 years, Marines have fought in any clime and place to defend our nation. Today, we reflect on the legacy of our Corps, and rededicate ourselves to fighting and winning the battles that lie ahead."

According to the Marine Corps Association, "On 10 November 1775, the Second Continental Congress resolved to raise two battalions of Marines. Congress commissioned thirty-one year old Samuel Nicholas, a well-known Philadelphian, as captain of the fledgling force of Continental Marines. From Tun Tavern in Philadelphia, Nicholas raised two battalions of Marines as directed and began the long illustrious history of the United States Marine Corps. Every year since 1925 the founding of the Marine Corps has been celebrated with a Birthday Ball."

The order creating the Continental Marines said this: "JOURNAL OF THE CONTINENTAL CONGRESS (Philadelphia) Friday, November 10, 1775, Resolved, That two Battalions of marines be raised, consisting of one Colonel, two Lieutenant Colonels, two Majors, and other officers as usual in other regiments; and that they consist of an equal number of privates with other battalions; that particular care be taken, that no persons be appointed to office, or enlisted into said Battalions, but such as are good seamen, or so acquainted with maritime affairs as to be able to serve to advantage by sea when required; that they be enlisted and commissioned to serve for and during the present war between Great Britain and the colonies, unless dismissed by order of Congress: that they be distinguished by the names of the first and second battalions of American Marines, and that they be considered as part of the number which the continental Army before Boston is ordered to consist of. Ordered, That a copy of the above be transmitted to the General."