On November 10, 2025, the United States Marine Corps celebrated 250 years. While the nation’s premier expeditionary fighting force was formed at Tun Tavern in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, a very special ceremony took place 170 miles southwest at the National Museum of the Marine Corps in Quantico, Virginia.
Established in 2006, the National Museum is a joint public-private venture between the United States Marine Corps and the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation. The museum’s 100,000 square feet contains galleries and exhibits that tell the story of the Corps from its founding to the Global War on Terror.
While admission is free of charge, the 2025 federal government shutdown forced the museum to close to the public for the 250th birthday of the Marine Corps. Although the galleries remained closed and federal funding was frozen, the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation decided to put on a birthday celebration by doing what Marines do best: improvise, adapt, and overcome.
Promising a special, one-day event to wish their beloved Corps a happy 250th, the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation attracted 1,000 guests on Nov. 10, and with the foundation’s funding, the museum was able to open its restaurants, store, and Medal of Honor theater. To mark the Corps’ 250th birthday, exclusive items like beer and rocks glasses were available to raise a toast to the Marine Corps. The U.S. Mint was also on-site to sell official Marine Corps 250th Commemorative Coins. Most importantly, guests were treated to the time-honored tradition of a cake-cutting ceremony.
During a traditional Marine Corps birthday celebration, a cake is cut with a Mameluke sword; Marine Corps history states that a Mameluke sword was presented to 1st Lt. Presley O’Bannon during the First Barbary War for his actions at the 1805 Battle of Derna (“the shores of Tripoli” in The Marines’ Hymn). Moreover, the first slice of cake is to be passed from the oldest Marine in attendance to the youngest, symbolizing the passing of tradition and wisdom.
For the 250th birthday celebration at the National Museum of the Marine Corps, the oldest Marine was 104-year-old Sgt. Jim Wescoat and the youngest was 19-year-old Pvt. Joseph Pacella. Nearly a century separates these two Marines, but their bond is forged in 250 years of service and tradition. Happy birthday Marines and Semper Fi.
