250th Anniversary of the Founding of the United States Marine Corps

Proclamation 10990 of November 10, 2025 250th Anniversary of the Founding of the United States Marine Corps A Proclamation For two and a half centuries, the United States Marine Corps has stood as a living force of American courage, discipline, and unity. From the birth of our Republic to the challenges of the modern world, the Marines have always proven that they can accomplish any task, defend any shore, and defeat any enemy. As the United States approaches 250 years of independence, we give thanks to Almighty God for the steadfast men and women of the Marine Corps and we thank every Marine who has carried the defense of our country upon their shoulders with valor and devotion. The Marine Corps was born in the fires of revolution when the Second Continental Congress established the Continental Marines by resolution on November 10, 1775. From the first combat action at Nassau in 1776, Marines have proven to be ruthless in battle, and lethal guardians of liberty and justice. From that moment onward, the Marines have helped shape the destiny of our Nation, fighting beside Andrew Jackson at the Battle of New Orleans, standing firm in the trenches of World War I at Belleau Wood, where they earned the nickname “Devil Dogs,” and seizing victory after victory across the Pacific at Guadalcanal, Iwo Jima, and Okinawa. They confronted communism in Korea and Vietnam, upheld the right to self-government in the Persian Gulf, and brought justice to our enemies in the deserts and mountains of the Global War on Terror. Marines protect our embassies abroad, and ensure our Federal law enforcement can do their jobs here at home. Wherever liberty has been threatened, the Marine Corps has answered with strength, courage, and unyielding honor. At Iwo Jima, the world witnessed why the United States Marine Corps stands as the tip of the spear—the lead force that strikes first and holds the line when freedom is on the brink. On the morning of February 19, 1945, during Wor…