J 1226: Commemorating the 250th Anniversary of the United States Marine Corps

 Senate Resolution No. 1226 BY: Senator STEC COMMEMORATING the 250th Anniversary of the United States Marine Corps WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and thank those who have served in times of active conflict, as well as those who have served in times of peace, giving positive definition to the profile of the American Armed Forces, and so profoundly strengthening our Nation's shared commitment to the exercise of freedom; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commemorate 250th Anniversary of the United States Marine Corps on Monday, November 10, 2025; and WHEREAS, Founded on November 10, 1775, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the United States Marine Corps has served as the pinnacle of dedication, determination, grit, pride, and intelligence for the past two and a half centuries; and WHEREAS, For 250 years, the United States Marine Corps has prided itself on exemplifying its motto of "Semper Fidelis" or "Always Faithful"; and WHEREAS, On any given day, nearly 38,000 courageous Marines are forward deployed around the globe, enabling the Corps to be the first on the scene, first to lend help when needed, first to contain a brewing crisis, and if required to do so, be the first to engage in combat in any location for any duration of time; and WHEREAS, As part of the Marine Corps' 250th Anniversary celebration, the Marines Across America program is an initiative by the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation and the Marine Corps to honor the extraordinary impact of Marines in communities across all 50 states; from decorated war heroes to influential leaders in business, public service, education, and beyond, this initiative showcases the legacy of those who have carried the values of honor, courage, and commitment into civilian life; and WHEREAS, The Marine Corps' birthday has been celebrated annually since 1921, with events across the country to honor the special occasion; one such event is being hosted by the Essex County Leathernecks Marine Corps League Detachment No. 791 of New York, which will commemorate the occasion with a 250th Birthday Ball on November 15, 2025; and WHEREAS, Those proud individuals who have worn the Marines uniform serve their Nation and their Corps through their lived examples of the organization's ethos, leading the way in business and their communities, and embodying the spirit of "Once a Marine, always a Marine"; and WHEREAS, The dedication and sacrifices of our military personnel ensures our continued role as a Nation in representing leadership, upholding the ideals of democracy, and working to defend liberty for people throughout the world; and WHEREAS, Residents of this great State must never forget the courage with which these Marines-past and present-served and continue to serve their country, and must recognize that no greater debt is owed than that owed to those who serve in our military, who gave their lives for our beloved Nation, and to those who continue to be missing in action; and WHEREAS, Having exhibited their patriotism both at home and abroad over the course of the past 250 years, our Marines have unwaveringly demonstrated, and continue to demonstrate, their love for their country and merit forevermore the highest respect of their State and Nation; and WHEREAS, Through its avowed commitment to those who have served in the cause of America's freedom and prosperity, the occasion of the 250th Anniversary of the United States Marine Corps serves as an opportunity for this Legislative Body to express its deepest gratitude for those who uphold and advance the spirit of high purpose, freedom, unity, and security which unites Americans across this State and Nation; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to commemorate the 250th Anniversary of the United States Marine Corps on November 10, 2025.