Nautical Word of The Day...
Marine:
A seagoing soldier. Marines have been a recognized agency in the Royal
Navy since 1755 and in the US Navy since November 10th, 1775.
Most nations with a navy have a Marine Corps, but with the exception of
the UK and US, none actually serve at sea.
Sailors used to refer to empty bottles as "marines" because, in their
view, both were useless (Editorial note: Oddly, the Marines often think
of sailors being useless other than transport).
Legend says that the Duke of Clarence was dining in the mess aboard one
of his ships. When he ordered the steward to remove the "dead marines",
one of the officers protested to which the Duke replied that the bottle
had done it's duty nobly and was ready to go again - much like a Marine.
Tell it to the Marines expresses disbelief.
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