U.S. Marines Stationed in Pasadena Celebrate Corps’ 245th Birthday

The U.S. Marines Corps celebrates its 245th birthday on Tuesday, Nov. 10. In Pasadena, the 2d Battalion, 23d Marine Regiment maintains a reserves headquarters and service company in a facility at 2699 Paloma St., near Pasadena High School. The reserves battalion is commanded by Lt. Col. David M. Ortiz.

Every November 10, U.S. Marines, wherever they are, pause to honor the moment of founding, according to former Pasadena Mayor and forever Marine, William Paparian.

“It’s often said that every Marine celebrates two birthdays,” Paparian previously said. “The day they were born and the Marine Corps birthday. And as there is no such thing as a ‘former Marine,’ this day is celebrated by both active duty Marines and Marine Corps veterans.”

For Paparian, that pause serves to recall the brotherhood of the Corps and a day his World War II veteran father would call him with happy birthday wishes.

Activated July 20 1942 in North Carolina, the 23d Marines were assigned to the 4th Marine Division in February 1943 and relocated during July 1943 to Camp Pendleton. The regiment participated in four campaigns during World War II: Kwajalein, Saipan, Tinian, and Iwo Jima.

For its actions against enemy forces, the 23d Marines received the Presidential Unit Citation Streamer with one Bronze Star, an Asia-Pacific Campaign Streamer with four Bronze Stars, and a World War II Victory Streamer.

“Commemorating the 245th birthday of our Corps offers us a chance to reflect on our history,” said USMC Commandant David H. Berger in a written statement.

“We who serve today stand upon the shoulders of giants. While this year’s many challenges are significant and unique, they are not unprecedented, and it is important to remember that our Nation and Corps have endured difficult times in our past,” Berger wrote.

“This year, for example, marks the 75th anniversary of brutal battles in the Pacific; when soldiers of the sea defined the term “uncommon valor” on the black sands of Iwo Jima; the 70th anniversary of bitter fighting at Inchon and Chosin Reservoir; 55 years since Marines landed at Da Nang; and a decade since our struggle with the Taliban in the Helmand River Valley. We remember the service and sacrifice of all Marines, and honor the legacy passed down through generations. Our continuing obligation is to honor their legacy by making meaningful contributions to what they started,” he wrote.