On this date in 1775 the Unites States Marines were born. Formed at the Tun Tavern in Olde City the first few Marines were two Battalions. They have grown into a premier fighting force and have been at the forefront on some of the worst battles this country has seen.
Alex Lloyd Gross Photo-Delaware Valley News.com Dave Bray provided the entertainment.
Today a few thousand of them gathered on 2nd Street between Market and Chestnut Streets for a block party. The Tun Tavern will be rebuild and is a parking lot now. This is the perfect spot to gather for a drink. ID’s were checked and service people were able to reminisce about times in the past, they waited through a light rain for the festivities to start.
Entertainment was provided by Dave Bray, brought his band, they did covers. Bray and his band are all solid, tight musicians as well as veterans. Before Bray could go on, there were speeches to be made and a cake to cut.
A comedian told off color jokes that mostly fell flat. Today’s festivities capped off the Navy and Marines 250th Birthday celebration. The people there do not want to hear a bunch of people talking, they wanted to party, connect with old friends and meet new ones. Needless to say, Bray brought the house down and the rain that was falling cleared up in time for the event. Marines that fight all over the globe are not going to let a small drizzle spoil their day.
Alex Lloyd Gross Photo/ Delaware Valley News.com The crowd extends past a city block to take in the festivities.
Some came in for the weekend, and you could tell as they proudly wore Marine Corps hats or jackets around town. There was also a Marine Corps Ball held at the Bellevue Hotel.