An effort to rebuild the birthplace of the Marine Corps has received a $1 million boost from the Timothy T. Day Foundation.
Established in 1693, The Tun is recognized as where the U.S. Marine Corps was born in 1775.
"Every Marine knows that we were born in the Tun on Philadelphia's waterfront in 1775,” said Tim Day in a statement. “I am proud to support the Tun Tavern Legacy Foundation's efforts to rebuild the Tun as an important part of the Corps' legacy and offer a truly one-of-a-kind gathering spot for all Marines, their families, and members of the public who want to celebrate our heritage.”
Founded by Day and his wife, Sandy, the Timothy T. Day Foundation benefits organizations and activities that provide support for Marines and the U.S. Marine Corps by preserving and promulgating the history, traditions and culture of the Marine Corps.
Day joined the Marine Corps in 1956, served on active duty from 1959 to 1962, and was honorably discharged in 1970, having earned the rank of captain. Following his service, he attended Harvard Business School, where he earned his MBA. He founded Bar-S Foods Co. in 1981, where he was CEO for more than 30 years.
The foundation announced in April that it had acquired the land to build The Tun. It will be located at 19 S. 2nd Street in Philadelphia's Old City neighborhood, just 250 yards from where the historic tavern originally stood.
The foundation will operate the facility as a functioning mariner's tavern and restaurant reminiscent of colonial Philadelphia. By providing educational experiences through exhibits, historical documents and special events, it will educate visitors about the significance of the historic tavern in American history.
All profits from its operation will be donated in perpetuity to support the causes of the organizations founded at the historic tavern.
The Tun Tavern Legacy Foundation also announced a $1 million challenge grant from an anonymous donor and Marine veteran. The funder will contribute the first $500,000 once the challenge reaches $1 million, and another $500,000 once the challenge reaches $4.5 million.
"These two significant donations – $1 million from the Timothy T. Day Foundation and the anonymous donor's $1 million challenge grant – are a call to arms for all Marines, as well as supportive corporations, foundations and individuals, to step up to meet the fundraising challenge and help us create a place where we can gather, connect, learn, celebrate and give back," said Tun Tavern Legacy Foundation President and Founder Pat Dailey.
In addition to being recognized as the birthplace of the Marine Corps, the historic Tun Tavern is also the birthplace of Freemasonry in Pennsylvania and the founding place of the St. Andrew's Society.
It is also the early first meeting place of the Friendly Sons & Daughters of St. Patrick, the Society of St. George and is purportedly the place where John Adams and the Naval Committee met and drafted documents that outline the structure for what became the United States Navy.
"We are bringing this historic tavern closer than it ever has been to reconstruction, but the heaviest life remains – fundraising," Dailey said. "If there has ever been a time in history when the Tun could come back to life, it is now and we need the support of all Marines – past and present."
Among the Marine Corps-related organizations the Timothy T. Day Foundation has supported are the Semper Fi & America's Fund, Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation, Marine Corps University Foundation, Marine Corps Fellowships at Harvard Business School, the Marine Corps Association & Foundation, and the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation.
For more information about The Tun and how to contribute, visit here .
A groundbreaking ceremony for The Tun is planned for this Nov. 10, the 249th birthday of the U.S. Marine Corps.
Reach Julia LeDoux at Julia@connectingvets.com .
Most Popular
Comments / 0