John Lejeune
When John Lejeune became the commander of the 2nd United States Infantry Division during World War One he was determined to have the Marine Corps show what it was worth. After the Armistice was signed he decided to become a Freemason while in France. This is what most of Pershing's inner circle were, so it was a compliment he became one.
The Army at that time was still using that as a fraternal system, more so than today. Most of the Continetal Line and the Militia officers were affiliated. When he became Commandant he decided that he wanted November 10th to be recognized as the birth date of the Marine Corps to reflect its Continental service. The Marine Corps actually disbanded after the Revolution.
This was a great move on his part and to this day we still celebrate this as the birth of the Corps.
