WEBVTT 00:00.180 --> 00:03.177 - [Narrator] For 250 years, the United States Marine Corps 00:03.177 --> 00:06.183 has stood as a beacon of honor, courage and commitment. 00:06.183 --> 00:09.675 From the shores of Iwo Jima to battlefields of today, 00:09.675 --> 00:12.462 Marines have answered the call, defending our nation's freedoms 00:12.462 --> 00:15.603 and upholding a legacy of valor that spans generations. 00:15.603 --> 00:17.453 We are warfighters. 00:17.453 --> 00:19.987 Always ready, always faithful. 00:19.987 --> 00:22.223 This year, we're inviting you to celebrate 00:22.223 --> 00:24.713 a quarter millennium of unwavering dedication 00:24.713 --> 00:26.484 with communities across America 00:26.484 --> 00:28.937 as we mark our 250th birthday. 00:29.723 --> 00:31.837 Our 250th birthday celebration 00:31.837 --> 00:34.503 kicked off in spectacular fashion in New Orleans. 00:35.242 --> 00:37.527 As the lead service for Super Bowl LIX, 00:37.527 --> 00:39.595 we opened the event with a thunderous flyover of 00:39.595 --> 00:42.416 MV-22 Osprey and F-35B Lightning II 00:42.416 --> 00:44.147 aircraft above the Superdome, 00:44.147 --> 00:46.548 setting the stage for a year of celebration. 00:47.456 --> 00:49.778 Fans met Marines during pre-game festivities, 00:49.778 --> 00:52.928 experienced the energy of the Marine Corps Band in a Mardi Gras parade, 00:52.928 --> 00:55.697 and explored an interactive booth at the Super Bowl Expo. 00:56.351 --> 00:58.050 New Orleans truly helped us launch 00:58.050 --> 01:00.670 250 years of semper fidelis with a bang. 01:01.473 --> 01:03.725 In May, the Marine Corps joined our fellow sea services 01:03.725 --> 01:06.517 for Fleet Week New York and Fleet Week Los Angeles. 01:06.517 --> 01:08.602 These events were incredible opportunities for 01:08.602 --> 01:11.219 communities to engage directly with their Marines. 01:11.219 --> 01:14.002 We showcased static displays of military equipment, 01:14.002 --> 01:16.169 thrilled crowds with aviation demonstrations, 01:16.169 --> 01:18.112 and shared the Marine Corps story. 01:18.112 --> 01:20.332 From Memorial Day parades and ceremonies 01:20.332 --> 01:22.912 to community relations events at sporting venues, 01:22.912 --> 01:24.403 Marines were everywhere. 01:24.403 --> 01:26.498 The Marine Corps Band and the Silent Drill Platoon 01:26.498 --> 01:28.701 even brought Times Square to a standstill 01:28.701 --> 01:30.090 with their precision performances, 01:30.090 --> 01:32.470 leaving a lasting impression on all who witnessed them. 01:32.470 --> 01:35.224 After the Fleet Weeks, the Corps rolled into the heartland 01:35.224 --> 01:37.029 for Marine Week Nashville. 01:38.157 --> 01:40.038 In Music City, Marines celebrated at the 01:40.038 --> 01:42.523 Nashville Superspeedway NASCAR Cup Series 01:42.523 --> 01:45.088 with a fan zone display, singing of the national anthem, 01:45.088 --> 01:47.498 flyover of UH-1Y Venom 01:47.498 --> 01:49.684 and AH-1Z Viper helicopters before the 01:49.684 --> 01:51.412 Cracker Barrel 400 race, 01:51.412 --> 01:54.516 and led community PT at Bicentennial State Park. 01:54.516 --> 01:57.592 The Silent Drill Platoon, Color Guard, and Marine Corps Band 01:57.592 --> 01:59.918 wowed at the Folds of Honor Tennessee Rock and Jock 01:59.918 --> 02:01.492 Celebrity Softball Game. 02:01.492 --> 02:04.434 We even hosted Marine Corps Alley at the Country Music Awards Fest, 02:04.434 --> 02:06.879 featuring static displays, fitness competitions, 02:06.879 --> 02:08.610 and more band performances. 02:10.571 --> 02:11.953 Marines brought the celebration to the 02:11.953 --> 02:13.929 Windy City for Marine Week Chicago. 02:14.835 --> 02:17.773 Chicagoans experienced an array of military equipment, 02:17.773 --> 02:19.651 aircraft, and incredible performances 02:19.651 --> 02:21.395 by our military bands. 02:21.395 --> 02:23.217 High school community events, 02:23.217 --> 02:25.764 Marine rock band performances and static displays 02:25.764 --> 02:28.455 allowed residents to meet Marines, climb aboard equipment, 02:28.455 --> 02:30.343 and even test their strength. 02:30.343 --> 02:32.821 We were also present at a Premier Lacrosse League game. 02:32.821 --> 02:35.110 One of the most moving moments was a 02:35.110 --> 02:37.278 Make-A-Wish Foundation event where a child's wish 02:37.278 --> 02:39.217 to spend the day with Marines was granted, 02:39.217 --> 02:41.587 embodying the spirit of service that defines us. 02:39.933 --> 02:38.970 day with Marines was granted , 02:41.587 --> 02:43.771 Even now, the celebration continues. 02:43.771 --> 02:45.771 We're heading to Marine Week Boston, 02:45.771 --> 02:47.943 scheduled from August 20th to 25th, 02:47.943 --> 02:49.720 bringing together Boston's vibrant spirit 02:49.720 --> 02:52.190 with the unwavering dedication of our Marines. 02:53.964 --> 02:56.401 Attendees can expect engaging displays, 02:56.401 --> 02:57.658 equipment, 02:58.532 --> 03:00.806 and opportunities to meet the brave men and women 03:00.806 --> 03:02.700 who embody the Marine ethos. 03:02.700 --> 03:04.080 Then, Marine Week Atlanta, 03:04.080 --> 03:06.488 scheduled from August 27th to September 1st, 03:06.488 --> 03:08.474 will feature an array of military equipment, 03:08.474 --> 03:10.792 aircraft, and bands. 03:10.792 --> 03:12.871 On November 10th, 2025, 03:12.871 --> 03:14.936 Marines around the world will pause to reflect, 03:14.936 --> 03:17.319 commemorate, and celebrate 250 years 03:17.319 --> 03:19.205 of winning our nation's battles. 03:19.205 --> 03:21.267 Our Corps has never been stronger, 03:21.267 --> 03:24.708 thanks to the Marines who proudly wear our Eagle, Globe and Anchor. 03:24.708 --> 03:27.106 Once a Marine, always a Marine. 03:27.106 --> 03:29.300 As we look back on 250 years of 03:29.300 --> 03:31.384 honor, courage and commitment, 03:31.384 --> 03:33.858 we look forward to the next 250. 03:33.858 --> 03:35.723 Ready to answer the call, 03:35.723 --> 03:37.069 ready to adapt, 03:37.069 --> 03:39.438 and ready to overcome any challenge. 03:39.438 --> 03:41.845 Semper fidelis, Marines.