Blood Stripe

• The solid red stripe running down the pants leg is commonly referred to as the "blood stripe." It officially became part of the uniform in 1849, and is a testament to the men and women who have given their lives in the service.
  
  

Buttons

• The buttons of the uniform prominently feature the Marine Corps logo, an eagle with an anchor affixed to a globe. While the design is roughly based on insignias worn by early continental and British Royal Marines, the current design was first commissioned in 1868 by Brigadier General Commandant Jacob Zeilin.
  
  

"Leathernecks"

• The first continental marines wore high, leather collars to help protect their necks from sword-inflicted injuries. This history is reflected both in the distinctive high collars of the current dress, as well as the outdated--but still commonly used--nickname for the service, "leathernecks."