Marines Birthday Celebration In South Philly

Marines Birthday Celebration At Cookie's Tavern in South Philly

Photo Credit – Patrick J. Hughes

‘241st Marine Corps Birthday Celebration’

On November 10, 1775, the Continential Marines were established by the Second Continental Congress. Research indicates that the birthplace of the Corps, as the first place where Marines enlisted, was Tun Tavern in Philadelphia!

In 1781, the Tun Tavern burned down. Its former structure stood at a location now occupied by Interstate 95, where it passes Penn’s Landing. A commemorative marker on the east side of Front Street indicates the site, across from Sansom Walk. (Tun Tavern Marker)

Daddy Wags

Fast forward to the end of 1969. Sergeant James Wagner, known as Daddy Wags, was a few years out of the Marine Corps, after serving two tours in Vietnam. He would stop into Cookie’s Tavern from time to time, which at the time belonged to his uncle, Bill “Cookie” Cook. The bar was located in South Philly, near the corner of 10 Street and Oregon Avenue.

Daddy Wags cousin, Charlie Simpson, happened to walk into the bar on November 10, 1969 and saw Daddy Wags at the end of the bar having a beer. Charlie said, “let’s drink a beer to the Marines’ birthday.” After that beer, they agreed that they should do this again, but tell more people about it.

So it went from two, to ten, to one-hundred, and now over 1,500 people. In 1977, Wagner bought the bar, keeping the name in honor of his uncle, and officially declaring the birthday party as an annual event.

Sergeant James “Daddy Wags” Wagner passed away on November 02, 2002. The bar was left to his daughter, Marion Wagner, who also continues the tradition that her dad started with the help of many. The rest of the story on Daddy Wags, Cookie’s Tavern and Celebrating the Marines’ birthday, click here.

Colonel Harvey C. “Barney” Barnum, former deputy assistant Secretary of the Navy and a Medal of Honor recipient, had this to say about Sergeant Wagner:

Jim “Daddy Wags” Wagner was the kind of guy who, if there was a pothole in the church parking lot, he’d pay for it to be filled. There’s not enough room in the biggest mansion to house this man’s heart.

What adds to this event is the fact that Marines and others come from California, Texas, Georgia, North Carolina, Florida, etc just for the Marines birthday celebration at Cookie’s Tavern.

Special Attractions At Birthday Celebration

Special Birthday Ceremony starting at 1 pm
Singer and song writer Doreen Taylor will be singing the National Anthem ~ Facebook Page ~ More about Doreen Taylor
Live music from Hickstown Road band
Polish American String Band
DJ’s Kevy Kev & Howie T will be playing tunes

Ceremony will be at 1 pm:

Honor Guard
Doreen Taylor singing our National Anthem
Commandants Message
Letter from Barney Barnum
Toys for Tots drop off bins
Cake cutting ceremony with the youngest and oldest Marine present
Sign in book to help find other Marines

Part of the proceeds from the event will go to Toys for Tots of Philadelphia! You can also bring toys or cash to donate as well!

Former Marines & Army with Mahlon Fink survivor of Battle of Iwo Jima

Former Marines, Navy & Army with Mahlon Fink survivor of Battle of Iwo Jima

Special Package at Marines Birthday Celebration (click here for details)

Cookies Drawstring Bag includes:

● Wrist Band for all your can drink beer
● Food
● Cookie’s Hat
● Cookie’s beer cozy
● Pen
● Beer Mug
● 241st T-Shirt
● Giveaway from beer company

For $50, you can get a Marines celebration sweatshirt and a wristband for all you can drink beer! And there will be t-shirts, sweatshirts, hoodies, hats and more on sale as well.