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

Marine Week Nashville (June 1-7) to be Honored at CMA Fest, NASCAR Cup Series

NASHVILLE, Tenn., May 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The United States Marine Corps is proud to announce Marine Week Nashville will take place June 1-7, 2025, as part of the service's 250th Birthday Celebration. Marines will honor the legacy and tradition of service, celebrate Veterans, connect with fellow Americans, and inspire the next generation of leaders to wear the cloth of the nation.

This seven-day series of events in Nashville is an opportunity for the community to witness the extraordinary talent and commitment of Marines who serve as a living testament to the Corps' legacy of excellence. The festivities in Music City include signature engagements throughout CMA Fest – The Ultimate Country Music Fan Experience™️ – in the heart of Nashville, a Marine band and Silent Drill Platoon performance at the 2025 Folds of Honor Tennessee Rock 'N Jock Celebrity Softball game, a huge presence at the Nashville Superspeedway, daily wreath laying ceremonies, a scavenger hunt for kids and much more.

Two-hundred fifty years ago, the U.S. Marine Corps was authorized by an act of the Second Continental Congress, leading Captain Samuel Nicholas to establish the first Marine Corps recruiting headquarters at Tun Tavern in Philadelphia, Pa., on November 10, 1775.

"For 250 years, Marines have fought and won our nation's battles with honor, courage, and commitment," said Col. J.J. Wilson, commander of Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force 250, the unit leading the Marine Corps' year-long commemoration. "Marine Week Nashville is more than a celebration—it's an opportunity to showcase our warfighting excellence, give back to the communities who support us, and share the rich heritage and culture that binds generations of Marines together. We're proud to be here in Nashville as we look ahead to the next 250 years of service to our nation."

Public & Media Opportunities during Marine Week Nashville:

1. Sun, June 1: Nashville Superspeedway Cracker Barrel 400: The 2^nd Marine Aircraft Wing Band, the Silent Drill Platoon and USMC equipment will all be on hand, along with commemorations during the NASCAR Cup Series race. Fan Fest Kickoff is at 1pm.
2. Mon, June 2: The 2^nd Marine Aircraft Wing Band, the Silent Drill Platoon, and the official Marine Corps Color Guard will perform at the 'most patriotic softball game in America' – the 2025 Folds of Honor Tennessee Rock 'N Jock Celebrity Softball Game at First Horizon Park in Nashville, featuring Team Military vs. Team First Responder.
3. Mon-Wed, June 2-4: Workout with the Marines!: The public is invited to join Marines for 'Morning PT' at Bicentennial Park each morning at 6:30 - 8am.
4. Mon-Fri, June 2-6: Daily Wreath Laying & Colors ceremonies (9am daily), as well as community engagements and public service projects, will take place across the Nashville metro area.
5. Wed, June 4: Commemoration of the U.S. Marine Corps' 250^th Birthday. Public invited to a ceremony and cake-cutting at the World War II Memorial at Bicentennial Park in Nashville 10am.
6. Thu-Sun, June 5-8: Large display of Marine Corps equipment and assets at CMA Fest outdoors at 4th Ave S. and Broadway and at the Nashville Convention Center in the heart of Nashville. The public is invited to meet their Marines, try on gear, test their strength at a pull-up challenge, and enjoy performances by the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing Band.
7. Fri, June 6: 2^nd Marine Aircraft Wing Band performance, Official Color Guard of the Marine Corps, a flyover and USMC Pull-Up Bar challenge at the Nashville Sounds baseball game. First pitch: 6:35pm; Friday Fireworks to follow the game.
8. Sun, June 8: The 2^nd Marine Aircraft Wing Band performs at CMA Fest 2025 on the Dr. Pepper Amp Stage at 11:15am.

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 USMC 250^th birthday celebration can be downloaded here. The celebration's official website is here; hashtag #Marines250. Watch the Commandant's all-Marines message on the celebration. USMC Style Guide is here. Read about the history of the Marine Corps.

SOURCE U.S. Marine Corps