250th Anniversary of the Founding of the United States Marine Corps
This Presidential Proclamation, issued by Donald J. Trump, officially designates November 10, 2025, as the day commemorating the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States Marine Corps.
The President recounts the Corps' long history of valor, from the American Revolution through modern conflicts, citing key battles like Iwo Jima to illustrate their steadfast commitment.
The proclamation calls upon government officials and the American people to display the U.S. flag and hold appropriate ceremonies to express gratitude for the Marines' heritage and ongoing service as the 'shield and spear of our Republic,' while also noting the administration's significant financial commitment to modernizing the force.
Arguments For
The proclamation formally recognizes the historical contributions, valor, and sacrifices of the U.S. Marine Corps since its founding in 1775, fulfilling a duty to honor national heroes.
Designating a specific day (November 10, 2025) provides a nationally recognized focal point for citizens and government entities to express gratitude and celebrate the Corps' 250th milestone.
It reinforces the Administration's commitment to military readiness and modernization, citing investments of over $150 billion to forge a modern fighting force, thereby bolstering national defense.
By encouraging the display of the flag and local ceremonies, the action fosters national unity around respect for military service and the defense of American liberty.
Arguments Against
Proclamations are largely symbolic actions; critics might argue that symbolic gestures do not substitute for substantive policy changes regarding veterans' care or active duty support.
Setting the commemoration date for 2025 might be perceived as a politically timed gesture, depending on the political calendar at the time of issuance.
The document places significant emphasis on past military victories; opponents could argue this over-focus on historical combat overshadows the role of diplomacy or non-kinetic defense strategies.
The proclamation uses the President's authority to direct government officials to display the flag, which some might view as an unnecessary directive for a commemorative observance.
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation
This segment identifies the issuer as the President of the United States and formally states the document type is 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 opening praises the U.S. Marine Corps for 250 years of displaying courage, discipline, and unity in defending the nation.
It expresses thanks for the valor and devotion of service members as the country nears its 250th anniversary of independence.
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.
This paragraph details the Marine Corps' history, noting its establishment by the Second Continental Congress on November 10, 1775.
It recounts numerous historical engagements where Marines secured liberty, including actions in the Revolutionary War, the War of 1812, WWI (earning the 'Devil Dogs' nickname), WWII in the Pacific, and engagements in Korea, Vietnam, the Persian Gulf, and Global War on Terror.
It also mentions their current roles protecting embassies and supporting domestic law enforcement.
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.
This section specifically emphasizes the significance of the Battle of Iwo Jima in World War II as evidence of the Marine Corps acting as the nation's 'tip of the spear.' It describes the grueling nature of the 1945 battle, where Marines stormed the shores, raised the flag on Mount Suribachi, and earned 22 Medals of Honor, setting a standard of honor and courage.
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.
The writing asserts that the Marine Corps remains the Republic's primary defense asset, admired globally for strength and precision.
It highlights that the current Administration is intensely focused on military readiness, committing over $150 billion to develop a modern, lethal force through investments in shipbuilding, missile defense, and advanced capabilities.
The President promises unwavering support for the Marines' 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.
This closing sentiment references the reference to the Corps’ early battle history, 'From the halls of Montezuma to the shores of Tripoli.' It connects the Marine motto, 'Semper Fidelis' (always faithful), to the enduring strength of the Corps and the nation it defends.
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.
Acting under constitutional and legal authority, President Donald J. Trump officially proclaims November 10, 2025, as the day to recognize the 250th anniversary of the Marine Corps' founding.
The President also issues a call to action, urging government officials to fly the U.S. flag over federal buildings and encouraging the public to fly flags and hold ceremonies to show gratitude.
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.
DONALD J. TRUMP
This is the formal closing clause, indicating that the President signed the proclamation on November 10, 2025, which marks the 250th year of American Independence, and includes the President's signature.
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