Background: For 250 years, the United States Marine Corps has served honorably in every clime and place. Founded on November 10, 1775, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Marines have fought from the shores of Tripoli to the valleys of Afghanistan – always the most ready when the nation is least ready. Coming from all walks of life, Marines are forged by the fires of recruit training, turning everyday citizens into adaptive war-fighters with problem-solving skills and a willingness to win against any adversary. No matter their ranks, Marines stay true to the uncompromising standards found in their core values of honor, courage, and commitment. Those who have worn the uniform continue to serve their nation and their Corps through their lived examples of Marine Corps values, leading the way in business and in their communities.
Marines have always answered the call of their nation – distinguishing themselves in battles at Belleau Wood, Iwo Jima, Okinawa, the Chosin Reservoir, Hue City, Fallujah, and Marjah. The same fighting spirit that led Marines then thrives in our Marines today. On any given day, nearly 38,000 Marines are forward deployed around the globe, enabling the Corps to be first on the scene, first to help, first to contain a brewing crisis, and if required to do so, first to fight anywhere for as long as it takes. For 250 years, the United States Marine Corps has prided itself in exemplifying its motto of “Semper Fidelis” or “Always Faithful.” Kentuckians are invited to join us in celebrating 250 years of Marine Corps service to our nation.
A. 15 January 2025: “Hometown Legends” will kick off in the Rotunda of the Kentucky State Capitol in Frankfort, with a 30 minute presentation to recognize three (3) Marine Corps legends who were born in January: Col Rich Higgins, Col George Morgan Chinn and Captain John J. McGinty, whose histories have been documented on the MCCCK website (www.KentuckyMarines.org) under “Legends.” It will conclude with Marines present renewing their enlistment and commissioned oaths. Colonel Dave Clement will preside. The Rotunda has been reserved and a proposed draft of a proclamation is to be presented to the Governor for approval and publication, highlighting the service of Kentucky Marines to our nation over the last 250 years. Remaining coordination requirements are underway.
B. 23 February 2025: Ceremony at the grave of Franklin Sousley in Elizaville, Kentucky, to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the Iwo Jima flag raising.
C. 26 April 2025: Ceremony at Presley O’Bannon’s grave-site in Frankfort, Kentucky to commemorate the 220th anniversary of the iconic flag being raised in Tripoli.
D. 17 September 2025 (Constitution Day): “Freedom Run,” a re-institution of a past tradition where officer candidates and Marines will run a relay with the national ensign from Sousley’s grave to O’Bannon’s grave, a distance of 76 miles.
E. 8 November 2025: Marine Corps Birthday Ball, organized, hosted, and coordinated by the Marine Corps League, Department of Kentucky, at Campbell House Hotel, Lexington, Kentucky.
F. 10 November 2025: Culmination of “Resolved Fidelity” Campaign with a traditional breakfast at Keeneland commemorating the actual Marine Corps 250th Birthday.
All of these events will be publicized separately, as all are currently in the process of coordination. In addition, there will be monthly media advisories throughout 2025 honoring many of our Kentucky legendary Marines, during their respective birth months. There will be an ongoing effort to involve the entire Marine Corps family in Kentucky with each of these events, through geographic relevance.