The public is invited to join the U.S. Naval Academy in celebrating the 216th birthday of the Marine Corps at Naval Academy at 7:45 a.m. Nov. 8.

The celebration begins with a morning colors ceremony on Friday, in Tecumseh Court on the Academy Grounds in Annapolis. At 10 a.m. Nov. 10, a wreath-laying ceremony will take place at the grave ofMaj. Gen. Ben Fuller, Class of 1889

and the 15th commandant of the Marine Corps. The grave is in the Naval Academy Cemetery.

The U.S. Marine Corps evolved during the American Revolution. On Nov. 10, 1775, the Continental Congress authorized the creation of two battalions of Marines.

Today, 188,000 Marines serve in duty stations around the world.