The time for celebration and pageantry is once again at hand with the 240th Marine Corps birthday set to take place Nov. 10. What does the celebration mean to Marines across the globe? To Gen. John A. Lejeune, obviously, it meant a great deal. On Nov. 1, 1921, he issued Marine Corps Order No. 47, Series 1921, which provided a summary of the history, mission and traditions of the Corps. The illustrious Lejeune directed that the order be read to every command each subsequent year on Nov. 10 in honor of the founding of the Marine Corps. It will certainly be read in locations across the United States, Afghanistan and across the globe wherever Marines might be found. It might be a silent observation in a austere location, or perhaps a more ceremonial reading. Happy Birthday Marines Semper Fi John "Doc" Meehan USN Retired FMF Corpsman