PHOTOS: Leathernecks celebrate Marine Corps anniversary

Hundreds of Marines gathered in Philadelphia to celebrate the 240th anniversary of the founding of the U.S. Marine Corps Tuesday.

The Marine Corps was founded in Tun Tavern, which still sits at Front and Dock streets.

Many of the Marines turned out on motorcycles, wearing Leatherneck Nation jackets. They started at Philly City Hall, went to Tun Tavern, and ended the day at Cookie’s Tavern on Oregon Avenue in South Philly.

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One of them was Cpl. Jim “Dutch” Shanley, 48, of the Poconos. Shanley has passed the traditions of the Marine Corps down to his son and daughter, both of whom are also Marines.

“We’re a whole crowd of Marines that come from all walks of life, but we’re still Marines,” said Shanley, who was in active duty from 1985 to 1989 and spent six months in Okinawa.

While Marines get together regularly, it’s not often in these numbers, Shanley said.

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The Marine Corps was founded on Nov. 10, 1775 when the Second Contintental Congress voted to raise two battalions of Marines.