Celebrating 250 Years of Honor, Courage, and Commitment: Marine Week Atlanta

United States Marine Corps Invites Atlanta to Commemorate its 250^th Birthday

Marine Week Atlanta to be Honored at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Piedmont Park

ATLANTA, Aug. 26, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The United States Marine Corps is proud to announce Marine Week Atlanta will take place Aug. 29-Sept. 1, 2025, as part of its year-long 250th birthday celebration in service to the nation. In metro Atlanta, Marines will honor its Veterans, connect with fellow Americans, commemorate the Corps' centuries-long legacy and sacrifice, and inspire future Marines and leaders.

The series of events is an opportunity for the Atlanta community to experience in person the extraordinary talent and commitment of Marines who uphold with honor and pride the Corps' heritage of excellence. The celebration will include ceremonies inside Mercedes-Benz stadium during a weekend of dual college football games as well as an impressive display of Marine Corps personnel and vehicles outside the stadium, daily public workouts with the Marines at Piedmont Park, 2^nd Marine Aircraft Wing Band and Silent Drill Platoon performances throughout the area, and much more.

An Act by the Second Continental Congress authorized the U.S. Marine Corps 250 years ago, bestowing upon Capt. Samuel Nicholas the duty to create the first Marine Corps recruiting command, which he did at Tun Tavern in Philadelphia, Pa., on November 10, 1775.

"Georgia has supported the Marine Corps and its Marines for decades, from our Combat Logistics Regiment, to our reserve units, to recruiting stations located in the state," said Col. J.J. Wilson, commander of Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force 250, the unit leading the Marine Corps' year-long commemoration. "Just as the college football kickoff classic unites fans from across the Southeast in spirited competition, the Marine Corps thrives on the same discipline, teamwork, and relentless drive found on the gridiron—only our field of play is the battlefield in defense of our nation. Marine Week Atlanta is our opportunity to express our gratitude for the community's unwavering support and showcase our dedication to the blessings of liberty. We invite Georgians from across the area to join us."

Public and Media Opportunities during Marine Week Atlanta include:

1. Fri, Aug. 29: Special Marine Corps Performance: To help kick off Marine Week Atlanta, the Silent Drill Platoon and a Marine vocalist will make a unique appearance at the Gainesville High School football game at 830 Century Place, Gainesville, Ga. 30501. Kickoff is at 7:30 p.m. Of special significance, one member of the Silent Drill Platoon performing will be a Gainesville native and hometown Marine.
    
2. Sat-Sun, Aug. 30-31: Colors Ceremonies: Daily colors ceremonies will take place at Piedmont Park each morning at 8 a.m. and each evening at 8 p.m. (east side of 'active oval' ballfields area).
    
3. Sat-Sun, Aug. 30-31: Wreath-Laying Ceremonies: The Marine Corps will commemorate the lives and legacies of those who made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of the Nation with daily wreath-laying ceremonies. The public is invited to observe the ceremonies at Piedmont Park (dockside at Lake Clara Meer) each day at 9 a.m.
    
4. Sat, Aug. 30: Static Display: The public is invited to interact with a large display of Marine Corps equipment at the AFLAC Kickoff Game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Opportunities are available to climb aboard equipment, participate in a pull-up challenge, take part in camo face painting for kids, and see performances by the Quantico Marine Band and the Silent Drill Platoon. Open from 8 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
    
5. Sat, Aug. 30: Witness the awe of a Marine Corps flyover during the pregame of the AFLAC Kickoff Game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. A Marine Corps KC-130 and two MV-22B Ospreys will fly over the stadium around 9:45 a.m.
    
6. Sat, Aug. 30: Marine Band Performance: The 2^nd Marine Aircraft Wing Rock Band will perform at Rally Point Grille at 10009 GA-92 in Woodstock, Ga., between 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
    
7. Sun, Aug. 31: Static Display: The public is invited to interact with a large display of Marine Corps equipment at the AFLAC Kickoff Game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Opportunities are available to climb aboard equipment, participate in a pull-up challenge, take part in camo face painting for kids, and see performances by the Quantico Marine Band and the Silent Drill Platoon. Open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
    
8. Sun, Aug. 31: Experience the exhilaration of a Marine Corps flyover during the pregame of the AFLAC Kickoff Game over Mercedes-Benz Stadium. A Marine Corps KC-130 and two MV-22B Ospreys will fly over the stadium around 12:45 p.m.

Primary On-Site Media Contact:
Josh Zecher
[email protected]
(703) 930-4941 cell

Secondary Media Contact:
Mark Albert
[email protected]
(202) 241-1833 cell

About the United States Marine Corps 

The electronic press kit for the Marine Corps' 250^th birthday celebration can be downloaded here. The celebration's official website is here; hashtag #Marines250. The U.S. Marine Corps Style Guide is here. Learn more about the history of the Marine Corps.

SOURCE U.S. Marine Corps