Marine Corps Celebrates 250th Anniversary with Events Across the US

Nationwide Celebrations:: The Marine Corps is hosting events nationwide, including Marine Weeks in cities like Nashville and Atlanta, to showcase equipment, performances, and community engagement.

Birthday Balls with Prominent Speakers:: Several Birthday Balls feature distinguished guest speakers, including Maximilian Uriarte, Gen. James N. Mattis, Maj. Gen. George B. Rowell, and Col. Harvey "Barney" Barnum Jr., each embodying Marine values.

Camp Lejeune Ceremony:: Camp Lejeune held a traditional cake-cutting ceremony with the oldest and youngest Marines, honoring the Corps' traditions and service.

Historical Pageant:: A pageant showcased 16 Marine uniforms worn since 1775, highlighting the evolution of the Corps.

Montilio's Bakery Cake:: A five-foot-tall vanilla cake, designed by Montilio's Bakery in Brockton, MA, was created for a Marine Corps birthday celebration in Boston. The cake featured an eagle, globe, and anchor made of chocolate and edible gold and was served to 2,000 Marines.

Birthday Balls:

Quantico Security Battalion Ball:: Maximilian Uriarte, creator of Terminal Lance, served as the guest of honor.

Marines Memorial Club (San Francisco):: Gen. James N. Mattis shared leadership lessons.

Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum (Denver):: Maj. Gen. George B. Rowell delivered the keynote address.

Bellevue Hotel (Philadelphia):: Col. Harvey "Barney" Barnum Jr., a Medal of Honor recipient, spoke at the 100th Marine Corps Birthday Ball.

Camp Lejeune Celebration:: A cake-cutting ceremony and a pageant honoring Marine uniforms took place, emphasizing the Corps' heritage and the importance of service. Due to the government shutdown, active-duty Marines were not available to speak with the media.