On Monday, November 10, 2025, the United States will mark the 250th Marine Corps Birthday, commemorating the founding of the United States Marine Corps (USMC) on November 10, 1775. This historic anniversary is being recognized across the country with ceremonies, parades, and formal gatherings that celebrate two and a half centuries of valor, discipline, and devotion to duty.
Origins & Historic Significance
The Marine Corps was founded by a resolution of the Continental Congress on November 10, 1775, creating two battalions of Marines to serve aboard naval vessels and conduct amphibious operations. Since then, the Corps has stood as one of America’s most storied fighting forces, playing a vital role in every major conflict from the Revolutionary War to modern operations around the globe.
Guided by its enduring motto Semper Fidelis—“Always Faithful”—the Marine Corps has exemplified courage, commitment, and honor for 250 years. This anniversary not only marks a major chapter in Marine history but also aligns with America’s broader semiquincentennial celebration, highlighting 250 years of national independence and unity.
Nationwide Celebration: Events for the 250th Marine Corps Birthday
The 250th Marine Corps Birthday is being celebrated with hundreds of events throughout the United States and abroad. From formal military ceremonies to local community gatherings, the occasion unites Marines, veterans, and citizens in shared appreciation of the Corps’ legacy.
- Philadelphia Celebration: The city of Philadelphia, where the Marine Corps was originally founded, will host a multi-day celebration featuring a public block party, commemorative parade, and an official birthday ceremony on November 10. The event will also include a 50-state cake-cutting initiative linking all Marine units and communities nationwide.
- Local Gatherings: Across the country, Marine Corps League detachments, veteran organizations, and local governments are hosting celebrations and reunions. Cities and towns from Boston to San Diego have planned formal Marine Birthday Balls and family-friendly community events.
- Marine 250 Program: The Marine Corps Heritage Foundation has introduced the official “Marine 250” campaign, which includes special exhibitions, commemorative coins, and museum displays recognizing the Corps’ 250-year legacy.
Official Recognition & Key Moments
This year’s Marine Corps Birthday carries exceptional significance not only for Marines but for the nation as a whole. The milestone is being officially recognized with large-scale ceremonies coordinated by Marine commands and civic organizations nationwide.
- Formal Ceremonies: The official celebration in Philadelphia will feature remarks from senior Marine Corps leaders, civic officials, and veterans, followed by the traditional cake-cutting ceremony—symbolizing the passing of legacy from the oldest to the youngest Marine present.
- Marine Birthday Ball: Thousands of Marines and their families will attend Marine Corps Birthday Balls in cities across America and on U.S. military bases worldwide. These formal events uphold a long-standing tradition of camaraderie, remembrance, and reflection.
- Marine Week Events: Throughout 2025, several major U.S. cities, including Chicago, Boston, and Atlanta, have hosted “Marine Week” events to build momentum for the 250th Marine Corps Birthday, showcasing Marine Corps demonstrations, aircraft displays, and public engagement activities.
Current Updates You Should Know
As the anniversary unfolds, celebrations are taking place in all 50 states. The Marine Corps Heritage Foundation continues to lead the nationwide observance, ensuring every Marine community can participate in this historic moment.
The Vice President, a former Marine himself, addressed troops and veterans at an early Marine Birthday Ball this month, emphasizing the importance of service, sacrifice, and unity. Local veteran reunions, such as those in Maryland and North Carolina, have already drawn Marines of all generations together to reflect on their shared heritage and honor the Corps’ continued mission.
Why This Milestone Matters
The 250th Marine Corps Birthday is more than just a date—it represents 250 years of unbroken service to the United States. Marines have fought and sacrificed on every continent, earning a reputation for tenacity, integrity, and selfless duty.
This milestone reminds Americans of the Corps’ central role in the nation’s defense and its values that transcend generations. For Marines and their families, it’s a deeply personal time—a reminder of the bonds formed in service and the enduring pride of belonging to one of the world’s most respected military institutions.
How to Participate in the 250th Marine Corps Birthday
The Marine Corps encourages both Marines and civilians to take part in the celebrations. Here are a few ways Americans can join in:
- Attend Local Events: Many Marine Corps League posts and veterans’ organizations are hosting public ceremonies, parades, and family events.
- Observe the Cake-Cutting Tradition: Each Marine unit and veterans’ group will hold the traditional cake-cutting on November 10, symbolizing respect for the Corps’ past and its future.
- Share Online Tributes: Use hashtags like #USMC250 or #HappyBirthdayMarines to honor Marines and veterans on social media.
- Visit Marine Museums: The National Museum of the Marine Corps and other military museums are hosting special exhibitions highlighting the Corps’ 250-year journey.
Looking Ahead
As the 250th Marine Corps Birthday unfolds, the message of Semper Fidelis continues to resonate. The Corps stands ready to defend the nation, uphold freedom, and inspire the next generation of Marines who will carry its proud legacy forward.
From its founding in 1775 to the present day, the Marine Corps has exemplified the best of American values: courage under fire, unity in purpose, and faith in one another. The 250th anniversary offers not only a time to celebrate the past but also to look confidently toward the future of service and leadership.
We invite you to share your thoughts, memories, or local Marine Corps Birthday celebrations in the comments and join the nation in honoring 250 years of Semper Fidelis.