Vermont HCR 144: House concurrent resolution commemorating the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Marine Corps

Bill Text

R-175 Page 1 of 1
2025

VT LEG #383765 v.1
No. R-175. House concurrent resolution commemorating the 250th anniversary of
the U.S. Marine Corps.
(H.C.R.144)
Offered by Representatives Morrissey of Bennington, Corcoran of Bennington, Greer
of Bennington, and Nigro of Bennington
Offered by Senators Bongartz and Plunkett
Whereas, on November 10, 1775, now observed as the founding date of the U.S.
Marine Corps, the Second Continental Congress adopted a resolution directing the raising
of two battalions of Marines, and John Adams nominated Major Samuel Nicholas to
serve as the first Commandant of the Continental Marines, and
Whereas, Major Nicholas organized the recruitment of the initial battalion of
Continental Marines at the Tun Tavern in Philadelphia, and the tavern’s owner, Robert
Mullan, became the first Marine recruiter, and
Whereas, after comporting themselves magnificently during the American War of
Independence, the Continental Marines were disbanded in 1783, but on July 11, 1798,
with the Quasi-War with France on the horizon, the U.S. Congress adopted “An Act for
Establishing and Organizing a Marine Corps” that officially created the U.S. Marine
Corps as part of the nation’s military, and
Whereas, during the War of 1812, the U.S. Marine Corps played pivotal roles in the
Champlain Valley, defending Plattsburg, and in the Battle of New Orleans, from which
the service gained a coveted reputation for its superb marksmanship, and
Whereas, in 1834, the U.S. Marine Corps was placed under the administrative
structure of the U.S. Navy but has always remained a distinctive service with both
maritime and onshore roles, including protecting American diplomatic facilities
worldwide, and
Whereas, in 1883, the U.S. Marine Corps adopted the motto “Semper Fidelis”
(Always Faithful), expressing the loyalty of individual Marines to their fellow Marines,
and they have distinguished themselves in battle ever since, and
Whereas, in 1884 Acts and Resolves No. 180, the General Assembly incorporated
“The Trustees of the Soldiers’ Home in Vermont” (today’s Vermont Veterans’ Home in
Bennington), and its U.S. Marine Corps residents, who stay true to the spirit of Semper
Fidelis and celebrate this 250th anniversary with great pride, as does the nation, which is
marking the occasion with commemorative stamps and coinage, now therefore be it
Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives:
That the General Assembly commemorates the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Marine
Corps, and be it further
Resolved: That the Secretary of State be directed to send a copy of this resolution to
the Vermont Veterans’ Home.