United States Marine Corps Invites Boston to Commemorate its 250th Birthday

Marine Week Boston to be Honored at
Boston Common, Fort Sewall, Manning Field

BOSTON, Aug. 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The United States Marine Corps is proud to announce Marine Week Boston will take place Aug. 20-25, 2025, as part of the storied service's year-long 250th birthday celebration. In Greater Boston, from Southie to Marblehead, Marines will celebrate its Veterans, honor the Corps' centuries-long legacy of tradition and service, connect with fellow Americans and inspire future Marines and military leaders.

The series of events is an opportunity for the Greater Boston community to see up close the extraordinary talent and commitment of Marines who serve as a living testament to the Corps' heritage of excellence. The celebration will include an impressive display of Marine Corps aircraft and vehicles on Boston Common, daily public workouts with the Marines, Quantico Marine Band and Silent Drill Platoon performances throughout the area, a ceremony at historic Fort Sewall and much more.

The U.S. Marine Corps was authorized by an act of the Second Continental Congress 250 years ago, bestowing upon Capt. Samuel Nicholas the responsibility to establish the first Marine Corps recruiting command at Tun Tavern in Philadelphia, Pa., on November 10, 1775.

"For centuries, the Marine Corps has had a storied history in Boston," said Col. J.J. Wilson, commander of Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force 250, the unit leading the Marine Corps' year-long commemoration. "We're grateful for the support of the people of Boston and Massachusetts, where American Marines have been stationed since the Corps' beginning¹. We're proud to be able to celebrate Marine Week Boston and invite the community to join us and share their stories while we write new chapters in our beloved Corps' legacy."

Public and Media Opportunities during Marine Week Boston:

1. Thu, Aug. 21: Marblehead Ceremony: The public is invited to celebrate the Marine Corps' 250^th birthday at historic Fort Sewall in Marblehead, Mass., a key fortification in New England during the Revolutionary War and later military campaigns. The ceremony will begin at 4:30 p.m. and will feature the world-famous Silent Drill Platoon, the Color Guard, the Quantico Marine Band, and a thrilling Marine Corps flyover, with remarks by Col. J.J. Wilson and other dignitaries. (mult-box provided for media)
2. Thu, Aug. 21: The Marblehead Ceremony will be followed by a special free performance by the Quantico Marine Rock Band at The Landing Restaurant in Marblehead at 6:30 p.m.
3. Thu-Sun, Aug. 21-24: Workout with the Marines: The public is invited to join Marines for 'Morning PT' each morning from 7-8 a.m. on Boston Common Baseball Field. Exercises are suitable and adaptable for all ages and designed to test strength, endurance and coordination. Sign-up opens at 6:30 a.m.
4. Thu-Sun, Aug. 21-24: Static Display: The public is invited to interact with a large display of Marine Corps aircraft and equipment at Boston Common. Opportunities are available to try on parachutes, climb aboard aircraft, participate in a pull-up challenge, check out camo face painting for kids, and see performances by the Quantico Marine Band and the Silent Drill Platoon. Open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., with the exception of Aug. 24, which will close at 4 p.m.
5. Thu-Sun, Aug. 21-24: 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 the Boston Common Soldiers and Sailors Monument each day at 9 a.m.
6. Fri-Sun, Aug. 22-24: Colors Ceremonies: Daily colors ceremonies will take place at Boston City Hall (Congress St. side) each morning at 8 a.m. and each evening at 8 p.m.
7. Fri, Aug. 22: The Quantico Marine Rock Band will perform outdoors at the iconic Faneuil Hall Marketplace from 5-7 p.m.
8. Sun, Aug. 24: Recruiting Station Boston welcomes the community to Manning Field in Lynn, Mass., to see performances by the Quantico Marine Band, the Silent Drill Platoon, the Color Guard, and a field competition for future Marines led by Marine Corps Drill Instructors. The event begins at 9 a.m. and ends at 3 p.m.
9. Sun, Aug. 24: Closing Ceremony: The public is invited to Marine Week Boston's Closing Ceremony at Christopher Columbus Waterfront Park at 4 p.m., featuring the Quantico Marine Band, Silent Drill Platoon, and Color Guard.

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

Secondary On-Site 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.

¹ https://bit.ly/USMCBriefHistory

SOURCE United States Marine Corps