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Marine Corps 250

For two and a half centuries, the United States Marine Corps has stood as a beacon of honor, courage, and commitment. From the earliest days of the American Revolution to the modern era, the Marines have been at the forefront of defending our nation's freedom and values. Join us in celebrating this historic milestone and honoring the brave men and women who have served with distinction.
Commemorating the 250th Birthday of the United States Marine Corps
Explore Our Legacy. Embrace Our Future.
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USMC 250th birthday kickoff

Gen. Eric M. Smith and Sgt. Maj. Carlos A. Ruiz officially kick off the year-long 250th birthday of the Marine Corps celebration, Dec 12.

Join The Celebration

To honor its many ties and the legacy of support and fidelity between America and her Marines, the Marine Corps will host public events and celebrations throughout 2025 across the country.

This program will include two national-level capstone events at the beginning and end of the year, as well as six multi-day Marine Corps-hosted outreach events, called Marine Weeks, in six major cities across the country.

The Marine Weeks will occur in Los Angeles, Nashville, Chicago, Boston, and Atlanta.

Ultimately, the 250th birthday celebrations will conclude in Washington, DC at the Commandant's Birthday Ball in November.

Super Bowl LIX: New Orleans
Feb 4-9, 2025

A photo of the New Orleans, Louisiana downtown skyline.

The Marine Corps is honored to be selected to be the lead service for Super Bowl LIX, where we will kick off our yearlong celebration of 250 years of honor, courage, and commitment in New Orleans!

Keep your eyes focused above the Superdome before the game to see Marine Corps aircraft conducting the traditional military flyover to open the event and come meet Marines during the pregame festivities. Semper Fi!

Fleet Week Los Angeles
May 21-26, 2025

A photo of the Los Angeles, California downtown skyline.

The Marine Corps is excited to announce its participation in Fleet Week Los Angeles in May 2025, where we will celebrate our 250th birthday!

The Marine Corps participation in Fleet Week Los Angeles, in concert with the U.S. Navy, will include static displays of military equipment, aviation displays, and opportunities for the community to interact with your Marines.

Join us in May to celebrate 250 years of winning our nation’s battles!

Check back closer to the event to find more information. Semper Fi!

 

Marine Week Nashville
June 1-7, 2025

A photo of the Nashville, Tennesse downtown skyline.

The Marine Corps is excited to announce it will visit Nashville in June 2025 to celebrate our 250th birthday!

Marine Week Nashville will feature an array of military equipment, aircraft, military bands, and opportunities to interact with your Marines.

Marines will set up static displays of military equipment that the community can interact with and will participate in community relations projects across Nashville.

The Marine Corps cannot wait to celebrate and commemorate 250 years of service to our nation with the great people of Nashville.

Marine Week Nashville Schedule

Sunday, June 1
Nashville Superspeedway: NASCAR Cup Series
Fan Zone opens at 1:00 PM, Race at 6:00 PM
4847-F McCrary Road
Lebanon, TN 37090

Monday, June 2
Physical Training with the Marines at Bicentennial State Park
Registration/Sign-up at 6:30 AM, PT at 7:00 AM - 8:00 AM
1049 6th Ave N.
Nashville, TN 37208

Morning/Evening Colors at Country Music Hall of Fame
Morning Colors Ceremony: 8:00 AM, Evening Colors Ceremony: 8:00 PM
222 Rep. John Lewis Way S
Nashville, TN 37203

Wreath Laying Ceremony at Bicentennial State Park WWII Memorial
9:00 AM - 9:30 AM
1049 6th Ave N.
Nashville, TN 37243

Folds of Honor Tennessee Rock ‘n’ Jock Celebrity Softball Game at First Horizon Park
Silent Drill Platoon, Color Guard, and Band will perform prior to the National Anthem. - 6:30 PM
19 Junior Gilliam Way
Nashville, TN 37219

Tuesday, June 3
Physical Training with the Marines at Bicentennial State Park
Registration/Sign-up at 6:30 AM, PT at 7:00 AM - 8:00 AM
1049 6th Ave N.
Nashville, TN 37208

Morning/Evening Colors at Country Music Hall of Fame
Morning Colors Ceremony: 8:00 AM, Evening Colors Ceremony: 8:00 PM
222 Rep. John Lewis Way S
Nashville, TN 37203

Wreath Laying Ceremony at Bicentennial State Park WWII Memorial
9:00 AM - 9:30 AM
1049 6th Ave N
 Nashville, TN 37243

Marine Corps Martial Arts & Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Collaboration Profectus Jiu-Jitsu
5:00 PM - 6:00 PM
69 Lindsley Ave
Nashville, TN 37210

Civic Plaza 250th Ceremony
Cake cutting and proclamation with performances by the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing Band and the Silent Drill Platoon. - 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM
111 West Vine Street
Murfreesboro, TN 37130

Wednesday, June 4
Physical Training with the Marines at Bicentennial State Park
Registration/Sign-up at 6:30 AM, PT at 7:00 AM - 8:00 AM
1049 6th Ave N.
Nashville, TN 37208

Morning/Evening Colors at Country Music Hall of Fame
Morning Colors Ceremony: 8:00 AM, Evening Colors Ceremony: 8:00 PM
222 Rep. John Lewis Way S
Nashville, TN 37203

Commemoration Ceremony at Bicentennial State Park World War II Memorial
Official commemoration ceremony event honoring the Marine Corps 250th and Marine Week Nashville. Will feature the band and color guard. - 10:00 AM
600 James Robertson Pkwy
Nashville, TN 37243

Thursday, June 5
Morning/Evening Colors at Country Music Hall of Fame
Morning Colors Ceremony: 8:00 AM, Evening Colors Ceremony: 8:00 PM
222 Rep. John Lewis Way S
Nashville, TN 37203

Wreath Laying Ceremony at Bicentennial State Park WWII Memorial
9:00 AM - 9:30 AM
1049 6th Ave N.
Nashville, TN 37243

Marines 250 at CMA Fest
Join us at Marine Corps Alley, climb aboard Marine Corps equipment, try on gear, test yourself with a pull-up challenge, and enjoy performances by 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing Band. The outdoor display will be at 4th and Broadway as well as an indoor activation across the street at Music City Center. - 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
201 Rep. John Lewis Way S
Nashville, TN 37203

Friday, June 6
Morning/Evening Colors at Country Music Hall of Fame
Morning Colors Ceremony: 8:00 AM, Evening Colors Ceremony: 8:00 PM
222 Rep. John Lewis Way S
Nashville, TN 37203

Wreath Laying Ceremony at Bicentennial State Park WWII Memorial
9:00 AM - 9:30 AM
1049 6th Ave N.
Nashville, TN 37243

Marines 250 at CMA Fest
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
201 Rep. John Lewis Way S
Nashville, TN 37203

Nashville Sounds Baseball Game
The Nashville Sounds game will feature the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing band, a flyover, national anthem singer and color guard. MCRC will also host a Poolee Swearing-in Ceremony. Gates open at 5:35 PM
First Horizon Park
19 Junior Gilliam Way
Nashville, TN 37219

Saturday, June 7
Marines 250 at CMA Fest
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
201 Rep. John Lewis Way S
Nashville, TN 37203

Sunday, June 8
Marines 250 at CMA Fest
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
201 Rep. John Lewis Way S
Nashville, TN 37203

Marine Week Chicago
July 9-14, 2025

A photo of the Chicago, Illinois downtown skyline.

The Marine Corps is excited to announce it will visit Chicago in July 2025 to celebrate our 250th birthday!

Marine Week Chicago will feature an array of military equipment, aircraft, military bands, and opportunities to interact with your Marines.

Marines will set up static displays of military equipment that the community can interact with and will participate in community relations projects across Chicago.

Join us in July to celebrate 250 years of winning our nation’s battles.

Check back closer to the event to find more information. Semper Fi!

Marine Week Boston
August 20-25, 2025

A photo of the Boston, Massachusetts downtown skyline.

The Marine Corps is excited to announce its visit to Boston in August 2025 to celebrate our 250th birthday!

Marine Week Boston will bring together the vibrant spirit of Boston with the unwavering dedication of our Marines, showcasing the pride and tradition that define the Corps.

Attendees can look forward to engaging displays, equipment, and opportunities to meet the brave men and women who embody the Marine ethos.

Join us in the heart of New England as we honor our rich legacy and commitment to excellence.

Together, we will honor the legacy of those who came before us, while celebrating the bright future of our Corps.

Check back closer to the event to find more information.  Semper Fi!

Fleet Week Atlanta
August 27-September 1, 2025

A photo of the Atlanta, Georgia downtown skyline.

The Marine Corps is proud to announce its visit to Atlanta in September 2025 to celebrate our 250th birthday!

Marine Week Atlanta will feature an array of military equipment, aircraft, military bands, and opportunities to interact with your Marines.

Marines will set up static displays of military equipment that the community can interact with and will participate in community relations projects across the city.

This momentous occasion will unite the spirit of Atlanta with the steadfast commitment of our Marines, showcasing the pride and honor that define the Corps.

Together, we will celebrate 250 years of winning our nation’s battles. Check back closer to the event to find more information.  Semper Fi!!

Navy-Marine Week Philadelphia
October 9-16, 2025

A photo taken in Philadelphia, Pennslyvania.

The Marine Corps was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on November 10, 1775. To honor its many ties and the legacy of support and fidelity between America and her Marines, the Marine Corps will support Navy Marine Corps 250 in Philadelphia, PA in October. 

The Marine Corps, in concert with the Navy, will bring a variety of assets to the city of Philadelphia, including static displays, shipborne displays, and aviation support. Additionally, ceremonial units from Marine Barracks Washington will support throughout the week.

We are extremely grateful to the city of Philadelphia for welcoming us back to our birthplace to celebrate 250 years of winning our nation’s battles.

Additional information about events in Philadelphia commemorating the Marine Corps 250th birthday can be found at the following links. Links do not imply endorsement from the United States Marine Corps.

November 10, 2025

Marines around the world will take a moment to reflect, commemorate, and celebrate 250 years of winning our nation’s battles.

Our Corps has never been stronger than it is today because of the Marines who wear our Eagle, Globe, and Anchor with pride.

Once a Marine, always a Marine. Semper Fidelis and Happy Birthday!

Explore Our Legacy, Embrace Our Future

For 250 years, the United States Marine Corps has served honorably in every clime and place. Founded on November 10, 1775, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the Marines have fought from the shores of Tripoli to the valleys of Afghanistan – always the most ready when the nation is least ready.

Coming from all walks of life, Marines are forged by the fires of the Crucible, turning everyday citizens into adaptive warfighters with problem-solving skills and a willingness to win against any adversary. No matter their ranks, Marines stay true to the uncompromising standards found in their core values of honor, courage, and commitment.

Those who have worn the uniform continue to serve their nation and their Corps through their lived examples of our ethos, leading the way in business and their communities, and embodying the spirit of “Once a Marine, always a Marine.”

Marines always answer the call of the Nation – distinguishing themselves in battles at Belleau Wood, Iwo Jima, Okinawa, the Chosin Reservoir, Hue City, Fallujah, and Marjah. The same fighting spirit that led Marines then thrives in our Marines today. On any given day, nearly 38,000 Marines are forward deployed around the globe, enabling the Corps to be first on scene, first to help, first to contain a brewing crisis, and if required to do so, first to fight anywhere for as long as it takes. Marines stand always ready.

For 250 years, the United States Marine Corps has prided itself on exemplifying its motto of “Semper Fidelis” or “Always Faithful.” Please join in celebrating 250 years of the Marine Corps faithful service to our nation.

Our History: 250 Years of Excellence

The United States Marine Corps was established on November 10, 1775, in Tun Tavern, Philadelphia. Since that historic day, the Marines have played a pivotal role in shaping the course of American history. From the shores of Tripoli to the sands of Iwo Jima, from the jungles of Vietnam to the deserts of the Middle East, the courage and sacrifice of the Marines have been instrumental in securing our nation's freedoms.

EXPLORE OUR HISTORY