To honor its many ties and the legacy of support and fidelity between America and her Marines, the Marine Corps hosted public events and celebrations throughout 2025 across the country. These engagements brought hundreds of thousands of Americans together to celebrate the history and service of the United States Marine Corps.
In 2026, the Marine Corps will again commemorate its contribution to the Nation's defense as part of a whole-of-government 250th celebration planned by the U.S. Semi quincentennial Commission. The Marine Corps will join our sister services as port calls and community outreach engagements in major U.S. cities throughout the summer, culminating in large-scale activations in New York City and Washington, D.C. over Fourth of July weekend.
Events celebrating the Nation's 250th birthday can be found here: https://www.war.gov/Spotlights/Freedom250/
America's 250th anniversary is a historic, once-in-a-generation opportunity to reflect on the founding principles of our country and connect Marines with communities around the shared values that built our nation. By celebrating the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, Americans are uniting across the nation in a shared commitment to freedom and national pride. When we combine patriotism with purpose, we inspire the next generation of leaders to wear the cloth of our nation.
The Marine Corps was established on November 10th, 1775, eight months before the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Marines have advanced our nation’s freedom from the very beginning — “Always Faithful” from the start. Marines have been the first to fight for over two and a half centuries. Their battlefield heroism and relentless pursuit of victory is woven into every chapter of our nation’s history. Marines are the most ready when the nation is the least ready. Wherever freedom is challenged, Marines answer the call with honor, courage, and commitment.
Marine Corps history is America’s history. The anniversary of American independence offers us the opportunity to honor the legacy and tradition of service to our nation, celebrate our veterans, and connect with fellow Americans. Forged by service and guided by values instilled since 1775, the same fighting spirit that led Marines to fight at Belleau Wood, Iwo Jima, the Chosin Reservoir, Vietnam, Fallujah, and Marjah thrives in our Marines today, and preserves American independence. Returning home as neighbors, leaders, and role models, Marines carry the Corps with them long after their service ends — making the nation stronger for it. The legacy of our Marine Corps lives on in the pride of every family member who has watched their loved one serve.
As America celebrates 250 years, we celebrate not just the Nation’s birthday, but the generations of Marines and families who made it possible.
Once a Marine, Always a Marine. Semper Fidelis and Happy Birthday!
250 Years of Marine Corps Service Rifles
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.
The Eagle, Globe, and Anchor is the official emblem of the United States Marine Corps. However, its roots can be traced all the way back to as far as 1804, with uniforms of Marines being adorned with brass eagles on square plates. During the War of 1812, this early emblem morphed into an octagonal brass plate embossed with an eagle, an anchor, drums, and flags. As the decades would progress, symbols on the emblem would be replaced with letters. Starting in 1840, Marine uniforms would see the metal letters “U.S.M.” During the subsequent years, more changes, modifications, and additions ensued until in 1868, when Marine leaders believed their insignia too closely resembled that of the U.S. Army infantry, and began to take steps to make a distinctive device. Commandant Brig. Gen. Jacob Zeilin appointed a special board to create a device for the Corps.
continue reading
Since its founding in 1775, the United States Marine Corps has earned a distinguished reputation as one of the world's premier naval infantry forces. This legacy is built on an unwavering fighting spirit, strict adherence to the highest standards, and formidable marksmanship skills. This legacy was forged in combat using a tool of warfare that has evolved dramatically over the last 250 years - the rifle.
U.S. Marines visited Nashville, Tennessee, from June 1 to 7, 2025, to host Marine Week Nashville in honor of the Corps’ 250 years of service.
Veterans, families, active-duty U.S. Marines and Sailors, Japan Self Defense Force members, and U.S. and Japanese dignitaries gathered for the 80th Annual Reunion of Honor at Iwo To, Japan on March 29. The event, held on the year of the 250th anniversary of the United States Marine Corps, was a memorial to the selfless service, sacrifice, and valor exhibited during the Battle of Iwo Jima.
The Marine Corps Heritage Foundation and the U.S. Mint unveiled a trio of commemorative coin designs honoring the 250 years of Marine Corps service and sacrifice during a minting ceremony July 17, 2024, at the National Museum of the Marine Corps.
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.
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