Monday marked the United States Marine Corps’ 250th birthday, just one day before the 106th observation of Veterans Day.

In honor of the occasion, the Marine Corps released a video honoring “a distinguished legacy of service, sacrifice, and unwavering fidelity to both the nation and fellow Marines.”

For two and a half centuries, the Marine Corps has played a vital role in protecting America both in the homeland and abroad, where it has fought in every major war.

The branch’s creation stems from a resolution by John Adams to establish “two Battalions of Marines” in preparation for the American Revolution. The resolution was adopted on Nov. 10, 1775 — eight months before the Declaration of Independence was signed, thus sparking annual celebrations on the date of its formation.