Today, November 10, 2020, we celebrate the birthday for the United States Marine Corps. It was established by Congress in 1775 and a Philadelphia gentleman by the name of Samuel Nicholas was commissioned to recruit two battalions of Marines. His preferred place of recruiting duty: Tun Tavern. From this Philadelphia based bar, Samuel Nicholas was able to recruit two battalions of men which became known as the Continental Marines.
In 245 years, the Marine Corps has evolved into something much greater than just two battalions of men found in a bar. From the first amphibious raid on Fort Nassau in 1776 to the current Operation Freedom’s Sentinel, the Marine Corps has proven time and again that it is a force to be reckoned with, defending the innocent on both foreign and domestic soil. We are happy to celebrate this year’s Marine Corps birthday with our newest Associate Attorney, John H. Anderson, Jr.
John Anderson joined the Marine Corps in 2007 at the age of 17. He spent the next 5 years in the infantry, concluding his service after his last deployment to Afghanistan. Upon exiting active duty, John Anderson opted to use his GI Bill to go to college to receive his Associates degree. However, his time in the Marine Corps taught him the lessons he needed to be able to go above and beyond just an Associates, continuing to earn his Bachelors, and ultimately, his Juris Doctor.
While at work and at home, John continues to apply the Core Values of Honor, Courage, and Commitment to everything he does. The Core Values transfer perfectly into our profession as we strive to maintain our integrity, do the right thing, in the right way and stay devoted to our clients. They are the perfectly executed illustration of everything an attorney should be or strive to be.
In closing, though the Marine Corps has a history for being born in a bar, we hope that each of you stay safe and make smart choices when celebrating this year. Have a plan and a backup plan if all goes wrong. Designated drivers, rideshares, taxis and public transportation save lives. Lastly, as we have all heard over the past year, maintain your social distancing, wear your mask, and wash your hands.