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The United States Marine Corps has a long and colorful history. The Second Continental Congress founded the Marine Corps on November 10, 1775. Congress ordered "Two Battalions of Marines be raised' and that care be taken, that no persons be appointed to office, or enlisted into said Battalions, but such are good seamen, or so acquainted with maritime affairs as to be able to serve to advantage by sea when required". Samuel Nicholas, a merchant from Philadelphia, was commissioned a Captain by Congress, and ordered to recruit the men needed to form the two Battalions. Captain Nicholas is remembered as the first Commandant of the Marine Corps. The recruiting headquarters for the new Marine Corps was located in Tun Tavern, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Robert Mullen, the proprietor of the tavern, was commissioned a Captain in the Marine Corps for his success as a recruiter. Captain Mullen is remembered as the first Marine Recruiter, and his tavern is known as the Birthplace of the Marine Corps. Some of the men who served in these two Battalions of Marines had served earlier in another Marine Corps. In 1740 King George II had ordered the formation of several Marine Regiments, and four of those Regiments were composed of American Colonials. Known as "Gooch's Marines", these colonials fought against pirates and in Britain's war with Spain. To this day close ties bind the two Bands of Brothers. From the attack on New Providence Island in the American Revolution, to ongoing operations around the globe, the United States Marines prove themselves to be the "World's Finest". The Marine Corps Emblem was adopted in 1868 by the seventh Commandant of the Marine Corps, Brigadier General Jacob Zeilin. The Emblem is the bald eagle astride a globe with an anchor in the background, and a banner with Semper Fidelis grasped in the eagle's mouth. The eagle represents our proud nation, the globe represents the Corps' worldwide service, and the anchor represents the Corps' naval traditions. The Marine Corps Motto "Semper Fidelis" is Latin for "Always Faithful". Adopted in 1883 by Colonel Charles G. McCawley, the eighth Commandant of the Marine Corps, this Motto defines a Marine. Always Faithful to his or her God, Corps, and Country.