As the USA Marine Corps approaches its 250th birthday on November 10, 2025, preparations are underway throughout the nation. Marines have hosted Marine Weeks in cities like Nashville and Atlanta, showcasing gear shows, band performances, and neighborhood engagements to honor the Corps’ historical past. Nationwide occasions embrace parades, ceremonies, and flyovers, with a White Home celebration highlighting the milestone. These actions emphasize the Corps’ legacy of service whereas making ready for future challenges by means of coaching improvements and recruitment drives. Amid these efforts, a number of Birthday Balls characteristic distinguished visitor audio system who embody Marine values price mentioning.
Maximilian Uriarte at Quantico Safety Battalion Ball
The Safety Battalion Ball at Marine Corps Base Quantico stands out as a key occasion within the 250th celebrations. Scheduled for subsequent month, it attracts active-duty Marines and veterans to replicate on shared experiences. Uriarte serves because the visitor of honor, providing insights from his time in uniform.
Maximilian Uriarte enlisted within the Marine Corps as an 0351 Assaultman and served in Hawaii earlier than deploying for 2 excursions in Iraq between 2007 and 2009. After his service, he created the favored webcomic Terminal Lance, which captures the each day realities of Marine life with humor. His work has expanded into books and movies, making him a voice for contemporary veterans
Gen. James N. Mattis at Marines Memorial, San Francisco
The 250th Marine Corps Birthday Ball on the Marines Memorial Membership in San Francisco takes place on November 8, 2025. This venue hosts a proper gathering with traditions just like the cake-cutting ceremony. Retired Gen. James N. Mattis seems because the visitor of honor, sharing management classes from his profession.
James N. Mattis enlisted within the Marine Corps Reserve in 1969 at age 18 and rose by means of the ranks over 4 a long time. He commanded forces within the Persian Gulf Warfare, Afghanistan, and Iraq, incomes nicknames for his tactical experience (corresponding to “Chaos” or “Mad Canine”). Mattis later served because the twenty sixth Secretary of Protection from 2017 to 2019, specializing in army readiness and alliance
Maj. Gen. George B. Rowell at Wings Over the Rockies Museum, Denver
Denver’s Wings Over the Rockies Air & Area Museum hosts the USA Marine Corps 250th Birthday Ball Celebration on November 9, 2025. The occasion features a seated dinner and helps sponsored Marines at tables. Maj. Gen. George B. Rowell delivers the keynote handle, tying present operations to the Corps’ heritage.
George B. Rowell IV graduated with honors from the USA Naval Academy in 1992 and commissioned into the Marine Corps. He superior to main basic and assumed duties as Director of Strategic Planning and Coverage (J5) for U.S. Indo-Pacific Command in June 2025. His roles have included deputy commander positions, emphasizing regional safety.
Col. Harvey “Barney” Barnum Jr. at Tun Tavern a centesimal Ball, Philadelphia
Philadelphia’s Bellevue Lodge serves as the location for the a centesimal Marine Corps Birthday Ball on November 10, 2025, recreating the primary such occasion from 1925. A part of broader Homecoming 250 actions, it includes a reception, dinner, and dancing. Col. Harvey “Barney” Barnum Jr. joins as a particular visitor speaker, alongside one other Medal of Honor recipient.
Harvey Curtiss Barnum Jr. was born in 1940 in Cheshire, Connecticut, and commissioned after faculty. As a primary lieutenant in Vietnam in 1965, he took command underneath hearth, main his unit to security and incomes the Medal of Honor. He retired as a colonel after 27 years, changing into the fourth Marine so honored in that struggle. His namesake has even been used for U.S. Navy Destroyer.
Celebrating 250 Years
These Birthday Balls underscore the Marine Corps’ dedication to custom amid its 250th yr. Preparations prolong past celebrations, with initiatives like up to date coaching packages and partnerships to construct resilience. As Marines collect, they honor previous achievements whereas gearing up for the calls for of tomorrow.
