Marines Commemorate 250th Anniversary at Camp Lejeune
The U.S. Marine Corps marked its 250th anniversary this week at Camp Lejeune. While the official birthday is recognized on November 10, the celebration included a ceremonial cake-cutting. This long-standing tradition features the oldest and youngest Marines sharing the first slice.
Highlighting Marine Corps Traditions
During the ceremony, attendees praised the significance of the event. Marine veteran Paul Levesque expressed his pride in witnessing the pageantry. He remarked, “The birthday of the Marine Corps is always a great day for us.”
Army veteran Wayne Gray shared his own reflections, emphasizing the importance of military service. He dedicated over ten years to the Army, including two in Vietnam. Gray believes that serving his country embodies life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
A Tribute to Marine History
The celebration featured a pageant showcasing 16 different Marine uniforms worn since the Corps’ inception in 1775. These uniforms highlight the evolution of the Marine Corps from its early days, when materials were primarily cloth.
- Established: 1775
- Location of Celebration: Camp Lejeune
- Official Birthday: November 10
During the ceremony, participants expressed a commitment to the values of the United States. “We bleed red, white, and blue, and this country is really worth fighting for,” said Levesque, emphasizing the patriotic spirit that the Marine Corps embodies.
Due to a governmental shutdown, active-duty Marines were unavailable for media interviews, impacting the event’s outreach.
