Happy birthday, USMC!

The U.S. Marine Corps is turning 240 years old this year and to celebrate, all Marines are invited to a party at the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8788 in McAllen Nov. 10 at 1800 hours, or 6 p.m.

In 1775, a committee was formed to create a resolution calling for two battalions of Marines, at sea and on shore. On Nov. 10, 1775, the resolution was approved and the Continental Marines officially formed.

Jump ahead 240 years, a group of five individuals, including Marine veteran Belinda Sumner, came together to make sure the important event was celebrated.

“The committee was formed because the Marines were at risk of not having the celebration due to lack of funds,” Sumner said. “Five of us formed the group to raise money for these Veterans of Foreign Wars.”

The VFW of McAllen, located at 4321 Pecan Blvd., will also accept cash donations or items for a drawing and auction. The event is open to all Marines for an evening of food, music and camaraderie. For more information, visit the Facebook page, VFW Rio Grande Valley Memorial Post No. 8788.