By: Jean-Paul Courville
November 10, 1775 is the day the United States Continental Marines were created and serves as the official U.S. Marine Corps birthday.
Every November U.S. Marines around the globe regardless of assignment or location celebrate this extraordinary date in history. Its a time to share stories, recognize the oldest and youngest Marines present, listen to remarks from a guest of honor and get dressed up in your best uniform.
I was invited in 2016 to deliver remarks at the 241st birthday ceremony in Zagreb, Croatia hosted by the US Embassy. I had a wonderful time and was able to spend the weekend with the Marines who guard the embassy. They toured me around the Embassy and their living quarters then temporary loaned me a mountain bike to discover the city and we all hiked to summit of the nearby high peak of Sljeme.
Sljeme is proof that Zagreb is a unique, ideal for nature lovers, romantics, and for history.
US Marine Corps 241st Birthday Ceremony Zagreb Croatia
I had an amazing time biking thru Zagreb on my own, observing historical locations, eating local recommended cuisines. It was cold in November, the smell of roasted chestnuts at every corner persuaded me to stop and purchase a few even when I wasn't hungry. While out on my exploration I did receive many "long stares" while riding thru the cold air in the town center and old historic locations wearing a long hooded sweatshirt with shorts. I lived in Southern California for many years and this is known as a "California winter outfit"....truth be told I regretted the choice but in typical US Marine fashion I "owned my choice" once it was made.
Biking in Zagreb
Zagreb Croatia
Zagreb, Croatia’s (northwestern) capital, is distinguished by its 18th and 19th-century Austro-Hungarian architecture. In the center is the upper town the site of the Gothic, twin-spired Zagreb Cathedral and 13th-century St. Mark’s Church, with a colorfully tiled roof. Nearby is pedestrian-friendly Tkalčićeva Street, lined with outdoor cafes while the lower town has the main square, Ban Jelačić, plus shops, museums and parks.
*Croatia was once part of the former Yugoslavia
Outside of the city of Zagreb is the lovely mountain peak of Sljeme, the highest peak at 1,035 m (3,396 ft). The Marines from the embassy along with a few wives of staff members and I hiked to the summit. We had the opportunity to "break bread" over a traditional Croatian cuisine in a small quaint restaurant at the top. This day couldn't have been more perfectly scripted as the beginning of the hike was cold and green but as we started to ascent it began to snow. The forest and mountain was beautifully covered in thick white snow while the sun remained bright to highlight the way.
Sljeme, the highest peak
Bonus: Semper Fi
Thanks for stopping by
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