Celebrating the 249th Marine Corps Birthday

“Happy Birthday!” was the greeting on Sunday, November 10, 2024, when 3,000 people gathered on 2nd Street in Philadelphia’s Old City to celebrate the United States Marine Corps’ 249th birthday and the groundbreaking of The Tun™.

The historic Tun was established in Philadelphia in 1693, just 250 yards from where The Tun™ Groundbreaking and Marine Corps Birthday Block Party took place. Although The Tun™ has not stood since 1781, it is well known to Marines worldwide.

“Every Marine knows The Tun,” said Pat Dailey, president and founder of The Tun Legacy Foundation, Inc., a nonprofit working to rebuild and reestablish the historic Marine Corps birthplace in conjunction with the 250th birthday next year. “It is not only a revered building for Marines, but five other organizations with a heritage at The Tun™.”

Prior to the 10:00 a.m. groundbreaking ceremony, Gunnery Sergeant Brandon Pizano led the crowd in cheers of “Oorah” and chants, which increased excitement. The festivities began with the iconic United States Marine Drum & Bugle Corps performing stirring renditions of “Fire in the Blood,” “Uncommon Valor,” and “Battle Hymn of the Republic.” The U.S. Marine Drum & Bugle Corps’ mission is to provide music and drill ceremony to the Commandant of the Marine Corps and the Commanding Officer of Marine Barracks Washington, D.C. Founded in 1934, “The Commandant’s Own” is the only active duty drum and bugle corps currently serving in our armed forces.

After their performance, the United States Marine Corps Color Guard carried the National Flag and the Marine Corps Battle Color to give appropriate military honors and display the Marine Corps’ prolific warfighting history.

Lieutenant General Calvert L. Worth, Jr., Commanding General, II Marine Expeditionary Force (Guest of Honor) and Medal of Honor Recipient Major General James E. Livingston, USMC (Ret.) joined the stage to celebrate and share their thoughts on the importance of this project. Craig Mills, Marine Corps Veteran and board member of The Tun Legacy Foundation, recited General John A. Lejeune’s 1921 birthday message, which displayed the deep history and legacy of the Marine Corps.

The ceremony continued with the cutting of a celebratory birthday cake. The Marine Corps birthday cake-cutting ceremony is essential to all Marines, as it is an annual renewal of each Marine’s commitment to the Corps and the Corps’ commitment to the nation’s quest for peace and freedom worldwide. As is tradition, the cake was cut with a Mameluke sword and the first piece was presented to the Guest of Honor, Lieutenant General Worth. The second piece went to the oldest Marine present, Major General Livingston. Upon receiving the second piece of cake, Major General Livingston passed it to the youngest Marine in attendance, signifying the passing of experience and knowledge from the old to the young of the Corps. Major General Livingston and General Worth gave speeches to close the ceremony.

“We’ve been talking about The Tun and rebuilding The Tun ever since I have been in the Marine Corps,” Major General Livingston said to the crowd. “But it’s going to happen this time! I believe, and other Marines believe it will be built. And I will see you all here next year. We want The Tun complete because Marines win.”

“What I want you to know is that whatever happens tomorrow morning, whatever reality comes tomorrow, the nation’s Marines will be ready to fight,” General Worth said to the crowd. “And they will win and carry forth this legacy and will serve and honor every Marine who has come before,” he said. “Happy Birthday, God Bless America, and Semper Fidelis.”

Before concluding the ceremony, General Worth and Major General Livingston joined representatives from the six organizations with a heritage at The Tun in Philadelphia to ceremonially dig the foundation. In a nod to The Tun’s significance in the history of the Marines, participants in the groundbreaking used hand-held entrenching tools (E-Tools).

(Pictured L-R) Judith Francis, Executive Director, The Society of St. George, Philadelphia; Pat Dailey, USMC, President and Founder, The Tun Legacy Foundation; Robert Brink, The Tun Legacy Foundation Board Chair and Deputy Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania Free and Accepted Masons; Lieutenant General Calvert. L., Worth, Jr.; Major General James E. Livingston; Kenneth Leith, Past President, The St. Andrew’s Society of Philadelphia; Theresa Murtagh, President, Friendly Sons & Daughters of St. Patrick

As the day progressed, more people filled the streets, and the block came alive with music, laughter, and camaraderie. Comedian and Marine veteran Bryson Banks entertained the attendees throughout the day, sharing stories and engaging the crowd. The American Bombshells captivated the audience with their USO-style show, performing patriotic classics and songs, including “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy” and “Don’t Fence Me In.” Families and members of the military posed for photos at the groundbreaking site and listened to tales of The Tun’s storied past from Ben Franklin, who was portrayed by historical reenactor Robert DeVitis. Bright and vibrant colors consumed the street when the Quaker City String Band, first-place finishers of the 2023 Philadelphia Mummers Parade, made a surprise appearance.

Throughout the day, commemorative merchandise, refreshments, and live music by our DJ let visitors immerse themselves in the spirit of the occasion. The day concluded with a circle of attendees singing and dancing in the street to “The Marines’ Hymn” by Madison Rising. The excitement surrounding the event and anticipation for the reestablishment of The Tun™ has the community eager for the coming year.

Thank you to everyone who traveled to join us on November 10 to celebrate this historic moment. If you are interested in learning more about the event, watch the ceremony or view our photo gallery.