USMC 250th Anniversary Patch
United States Marine Corps 250th Anniversary Commemorative
The United States Marine Corps was established on 10 November 1775 by a resolution of the Second Continental Congress, which authorized the raising of two battalions of Continental Marines at Tun Tavern in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. From that historic founding during the fires of the American Revolution, the Corps has grown into the world's premier expeditionary fighting force, and the 250th anniversary in 2025 marked a landmark milestone celebrating two and a half centuries of unbroken service to the nation.
From the first combat action at Nassau in 1776 through the legendary stand at Belleau Wood in 1918—where Marines earned the nickname "Devil Dogs"—to the brutal island-hopping campaigns of World War II at Guadalcanal, Iwo Jima, and Okinawa, Marines have shaped the destiny of the American Republic. They fought through the frozen mountains of Korea's Chosin Reservoir, endured the jungles of Vietnam, liberated Kuwait during Desert Storm, and brought justice to enemies in the mountains of Afghanistan and the deserts of Iraq during the Global War on Terror. The 250th anniversary celebration included events across the nation, highlighted by the 100th Marine Corps Birthday Ball held at the historic Bellevue Hotel in Philadelphia—the same ballroom where Commandant Lejeune hosted the inaugural celebration in 1925.
The commemorative year featured Marine Week celebrations, amphibious capability demonstrations at Camp Pendleton, a Parade of Ships along the Delaware River, and the U.S. Postal Service unveiling a special stamp honoring the Corps' iconic Eagle, Globe, and Anchor emblem. The Marine Corps Heritage Foundation coordinated nationwide events ensuring every American could take pride in the legacy of their Marines, from the National Museum of the Marine Corps to high-profile sporting events.
Perfect For: Active duty Marines, Marine Corps veterans of all eras, Marine families, Birthday Ball attendees, Marine Corps history enthusiasts, commemorative patch collectors, and anyone proud of the Corps' 250-year legacy.
A once-in-a-lifetime commemorative celebrating 250 years of honor, courage, and commitment—Semper Fidelis.