BOSTON -- U.S. Marines visited Boston, Massachusetts from August 21 to 25, 2025, to host Marine Week Boston in celebration of the Corps’ 250th birthday.
“We’ve received such a warm welcome from the individuals in Boston,” said Tracey Campbell, the Executive Director for the Marine Corps 250th Birthday Campaign. “The patriotic pride that comes from Bostonians and from the commonwealth of Massachusetts is something that rings true with the United States Marine Corps. We, just like Bostonians, are keepers of tradition.”
The week opened with a morning colors ceremony, where the Marine Corps flag was raised in place of the Boston city flag, alongside the American and Massachusetts state flags. U.S. Marine Corps Gen. Christopher J. Mahoney, Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps, along with multiple Boston and Massachusetts state officials were among the ceremony’s attendees.
Morning Colors
Photo by Lance Cpl. Matthew McDonnell
U.S. Marines with the Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force-250 hosted the opening ceremony at the City Hall Plaza during Marine Week Boston, Aug. 21, 2025. As the Marine Corps marks its 250th year, Marines worldwide observe this historic milestone, paying tribute to generations of valor, duty, and the enduring spirit of Semper Fidelis. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Matthew A. McDonnell)
“For 250 years, the young men and women of Massachusetts have raised their right hand, stepped onto the yellow footprints, and earned the Eagle, Globe, and Anchor,” said Mahoney. “This week is about more than remembering that legacy. It’s about strengthening the bond between the American people and their Marine Corps.”
Residents of Boston met Marines firsthand and heard their stories, with many of the city’s veterans and their families’ sharing stories of their own. Among them was the Cappuccio family, descendants of U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Joseph J. Cappuccio, an Iwo Jima veteran who passed away in July 2025 at the age of 100. Marines joined the family and community members in Roslindale, Massachusetts, for the renaming of Joseph J. Cappuccio Square—the street he lived on—in recognition of his service.
"The sacrifice that Marines make, it’s unbelievable. Seeing Marines walk the streets, clean cut, it makes you proud to be an American." Louis Cappuccio, son of Cpl. Joseph Cappuccio, a Boston native and Iwo Jima veteran
Joseph J. Cappuccio Square
Photo by Lance Cpl. Matthew McDonnell
Joseph J. Cappuccio Square was renamed in honor of U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Joseph J. Cappuccio, who served in the Battle of Iwo Jima, Aug. 21, 2025. As the Marine Corps marks its 250th year, Marines worldwide observe this historic milestone, paying tribute to generations of valor, duty, and the enduring spirit of Semper Fidelis. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Matthew A. McDonnell)
Beyond the ceremonies, Marines connected with the city’s residents through static displays of aircraft, ground vehicles, and heavy weapons that were set up at the Boston Common to give the public a chance to climb inside the world of a Marine and witness day-to-day aspects of military service. Marines also volunteered across the city, engaging with residents in schools, community centers, and local sports teams.
“It’s been amazing, the way the public has been treating us,” said U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Maximilla Legier, who is assigned to Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force–250 (SPMAGTF–250). “Every single time we’ve walked the streets, there’s a handful of people coming up thanking us. It’s been great.”
As Marine Week concluded, both the city and the Corps reflected on the shared spirit of service and tradition.
“I think the impact we want to leave is to show that we are here for the citizens,” said U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Christopher Pedro, also assigned to SPMAGTF–250. “It’s our duty.
Not only to the country, but to the states we grew up in, to our friends, families, strangers — we are here to help.”