November 10, 2025, marks the 250th anniversary of the United States Marine Corps. The day commemorates the service and sacrifices made by Marines throughout American history.
The Marine Corps was created during the Revolutionary War when a committee of the Second Continental Congress decided that an organized infantry was needed to support the new Continental Navy. On November 10, 1775, in Philadelphia, a resolution was adopted to establish two battalions of Marines. This date is now recognized as the founding of the Marine Corps.
Initially formed to augment naval forces, the Marines evolved into an independent fighting force known for rapid deployment and amphibious operations. By the 20th century, they led their own missions, including expeditionary campaigns and urban combat.
During World War I at Belleau Wood in France, German soldiers reportedly began calling Marines “Teufel hunden” or “Devil Dogs,” a nickname that remains associated with them today. At Belleau Wood, Captain Lloyd Williams famously responded to a suggestion from a French colonel to retreat by saying: “Retreat, hell! We just got here!”
Marines played significant roles in conflicts such as Guadalcanal, Iwo Jima, and Okinawa during World War II. The image of Marines raising the flag on Iwo Jima has become one of America’s most recognized war photographs and is featured at the Marine Corps Memorial at Arlington National Cemetery.
Currently, the Marine Corps undertakes various combat and non-combat missions. They engage threats by land, sea, or air and often provide humanitarian aid after disasters. The branch also secures more than 180 embassies worldwide and works with government agencies to counter narcotics and trafficking activities both in the U.S. and abroad.
Illinois State Representative Brandun Schweizer (R-Danville) served in the Marine Corps for 21 years before retiring as a Master Sergeant. His experience has influenced his advocacy for veterans’ issues within Illinois.
Schweizer sponsored several bills aimed at supporting veterans:
– HB 2572 grants rulemaking authority regarding eligibility for certain educational grants and scholarships related to veterans.
– SB 1160 allows Illinois residents who served in United Nations operations in Somalia, Panama, or Grenada to apply for a special license plate.
– SB 2175 expands leave for veteran medical appointments beyond visits to VA hospitals or clinics.
– HB 1882 recreates and renames a task force focused on veterans’ service-related ailments not recognized by federal authorities; it requires regular meetings and reporting by December 31, 2026.
“The safety and freedom we all so deeply cherish were paid for through tremendous sacrifices made by members of our armed forces,” said Rep. Schweizer. “Legislating on behalf of veterans is the least we can do for those who risked their lives to defend our country.”
The Marine Corps motto is “Semper Fidelis,” meaning “always faithful.” As this milestone birthday is observed, there are calls to continue supporting active military personnel, veterans, and their families.
Windhorst was elected as a Republican representative to Illinois’ 117th House District in 2023 after Natalie Phelps Finnie left office.
