The Marine Corps Heritage Foundation and the U.S. Mint kicked off the Marine Corps 250th Anniversary celebration by striking commemorative coins at a Dec. 4 ceremony held at the United States Mint in Philadelphia.
The gold, silver, and clad coins depict iconic Marine Corps imagery, from the Iwo Jima flag-raising to historic and modern uniforms.
“The 250th birthday presents a historic opportunity to connect all Americans with their Marine Corps throughout the year,” said retired Marine Maj. General James Lukeman, president and CEO of the Marine Corps Foundation. “For 250 years, Marines have fought for America’s future and epitomized the honor, courage, and selfless service that the Marine Corps is famous for.”
Coins will be available for purchase on Jan. 2, 2025, at U.S. Mint sites.
The celebration will continue throughout 2025, showcasing the Marine Corps’ warfighting legacy and values of honor, courage, and commitment through nationwide programs and events.
“This celebration is not only about honoring the past but looking toward the future,” Lukeman said. “As we mark 250 years of the Marine Corps, we are also paying tribute to the Marines currently serving today and future generations preparing to follow in their footsteps.”
All 50 states are planning to hold a traditional Marine Corps-style cake-cutting ceremony with participation from governors' offices, their Veterans Affairs offices, and community leaders with cakes provided by ABA.
“The baking industry is incredibly proud to partner with the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation to commemorate the 250th Anniversary of the United States Marine Corps,” said Eric Dell, ABA president and CEO. “This partnership reflects our collective gratitude for the courage and sacrifice of our nation's service members and the baking community's unwavering commitment to supporting our heroes.”
Marines Across America will highlight Marines who embody the values of honor, patriotism, and selfless service within their communities. Throughout the year, it will showcase the contributions Marines make in their local communities or nationally following active duty or reserve service.
Members of the public are encouraged to share stories of Marines they know, both active and veterans, who are making a difference in their community here or using the hashtag #MarinesAcrossAmerica.
Sporting events will honor the Marine Corps throughout the year, from national events such as the Notre Dame vs. Navy football game and a NASCAR race at Martinsville, Virginia that will be called the Marine Corps 250, to local events including Minor League Baseball teams that will feature Marines with custom theme nights and “Marine of the Month” recognitions.
In collaboration with the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, Marine Corps mascot Lance Corporal Chesty XVI and the Marine Corps will participate in the presentation of the colors on Feb. 10 and 11, to kick off the Westminister Dog Show at Madison Square Garden.
The National Federation of State High School Associations will also recognize the Marine Corps at more than 150 high school state championship games nationally.
At the National Museum of the Marine Corps, in Triangle, Virginia, visitors can explore Marine history and personal stories through new exhibits providing immersive experiences focused on the lives and missions of modern-day Marines.
“As we celebrate 250 years of Marine Corps history, the museum’s newest exhibits offer visitors a unique opportunity to connect with the experiences of today’s Marines,” said Museum Director Keil Gentry. “The museum is honored to be a part of this milestone and to have the opportunity to share the stories of the men and women who have served, and continue to serve, our country with pride and courage.”
The celebration will also include the second traveling combat art exhibit titled “The U.S. Marine Corps Air-Ground Team.” It will open in January at The Citadel in Charleston, featuring unique artwork that captures Marine service and sacrifice. It will then tour the country throughout 2025 and 2026.
The Library of Congress will curate a collection display of Marine-related artifacts from the Library’s collections, on display through October and November. The anniversary coincides with the 25th anniversary of the Library’s Veterans History Project, a grassroots effort with a mission to collect, preserve and make accessible the first-person narratives of U.S. military veterans from World War I through current conflicts. Learn more here.
The Birthday in a Box program is set to provide digital resources to communities, organizations, and civic leaders nationwide, enabling them to host their own local Marine Corps birthday celebrations. Each kit will include event graphics, cake-cutting protocol guidelines, and a brief history of the Marine Corps birthday.
The fewer than 100 individuals designated ‘Honorary Marines’ by the Marine Corps will also be celebrated. The program honors those civilians who have made extraordinary contributions to the Marine Corps. Notable Honorary Marines include actor and martial artist Chuck Norris, acclaimed actor and philanthropist Gary Sinise, and legendary photographer Joe Rosenthal, who captured the iconic image of the flag raising at Iwo Jima.
For further information on anniversary plans, visit Marine250.com.
Reach Julia LeDoux at Julia@connectingvets.com.