250th Anniversary of the Founding of the United States Marine Corps

Proclamation 10990 of November 10, 2025

250th Anniversary of the Founding of the United
States Marine Corps

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

For two and a half centuries, the United States Marine
Corps has stood as a living force of American courage,
discipline, and unity. From the birth of our Republic
to the challenges of the modern world, the Marines have
always proven that they can accomplish any task, defend
any shore, and defeat any enemy. As the United States
approaches 250 years of independence, we give thanks to
Almighty God for the steadfast men and women of the
Marine Corps and we thank every Marine who has carried
the defense of our country upon their shoulders with
valor and devotion.

The Marine Corps was born in the fires of revolution
when the Second Continental Congress established the
Continental Marines by resolution on November 10, 1775.
From the first combat action at Nassau in 1776, Marines
have proven to be ruthless in battle, and lethal
guardians of liberty and justice. From that moment
onward, the Marines have helped shape the destiny of
our Nation, fighting beside Andrew Jackson at the
Battle of New Orleans, standing firm in the trenches of
World War I at Belleau Wood, where they earned the
nickname ``Devil Dogs,'' and seizing victory after
victory across the Pacific at Guadalcanal, Iwo Jima,
and Okinawa. They confronted communism in Korea and
Vietnam, upheld the right to self-government in the
Persian Gulf, and brought justice to our enemies in the
deserts and mountains of the Global War on Terror.
Marines protect our embassies abroad, and ensure our
Federal law enforcement can do their jobs here at home.
Wherever liberty has been threatened, the Marine Corps
has answered with strength, courage, and unyielding
honor.

At Iwo Jima, the world witnessed why the United States
Marine Corps stands as the tip of the spear--the lead
force that strikes first and holds the line when
freedom is on the brink. On the morning of February 19,
1945, during World War II, the Marines launched one of
the most consequential and grueling campaigns in our
Nation's history. Against relentless fire and
unyielding resistance from the Japanese Imperial Army,
our Marines stormed the black sand shores, raised the
stars and stripes over Mount Suribachi, and proved that
no enemy could break the spirit of the American
warrior. The battle was defined by massive casualties,
but also extraordinary acts of gallantry--22 Marines
received the Medal of Honor for their valor, the most
ever awarded for a single battle in American history.
Their triumph at Iwo Jima advanced America's cause in
the Pacific and set a timeless standard for Marines who
serve, defined by honor, courage, and unwavering
commitment to country.

Today, the United States Marine Corps continues to
stand as the shield and spear of our Republic. Their
courage in combat, disciplined precision, and
relentless endurance are admired around the world, sure
in the knowledge that true peace is secured only by
superior strength. Our Marines now serve under a
mission-driven Department of War, hyper-focused on
military readiness, and they are receiving our best
resources and unrelenting support. My Administration is
committing more than $150 billion to forge

a leaner, more lethal force fit for the twenty-first
century. With our investments in shipbuilding, missile
defense, and advanced capabilities, my Administration
is providing our Marines with every operational
advantage so they can continue to ensure American
strength prevails in every domain. Under my leadership,
I will always have the backs of our Marines and make
certain they are never constrained in exercising their
legendary, indomitable warrior spirit.

From the halls of Montezuma to the shores of Tripoli,
the United States Marines have time and again carved
their names into history. Their motto, Semper Fidelis,
meaning always faithful, speaks to the enduring
strength of the Corps and to the greatness of the
country they defend--one Nation, under God, steadfast,
and forever free.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, DONALD J. TRUMP, President of the
United States of America, by virtue of the authority
vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the
United States, do hereby proclaim November 10, 2025, as
a day to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the
founding of the United States Marine Corps. I call upon
all Government officials to display the flag of the
United States over Government buildings, and I
encourage the American people to display the flag and
hold appropriate ceremonies as an expression of our
Nation's gratitude and respect for the Marine Corps'
valiant heritage.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this
tenth day of November, in the year of our Lord two
thousand twenty-five, and of the Independence of the
United States of America the two hundred and fiftieth.