Semper Fi @250

Today is the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Marine Corps

It is a year of national anniversaries, all leading up to July 4 next summer. Working to finish my book on the Declaration, I missed the U.S. Army’s 250th celebration and the U.S. Navy’s.

I can make up for that a bit today.

Two hundred and fifty years ago today, on November 10, 1775, the U.S. Marine Corps was established, following the Continental Army in June and the Navy in October. Despite the ongoing government shutdown, any readers in the National Capital Region might want to swing by the U.S. Marine Corps War Memorial, near Arlington National Cemetery, today.

(Image from Wikipedia.)

No blog post can begin to discuss, honor, or do justice to the service and sacrifice of the Marines throughout our history (as with all our Armed Forces). But, dropping by the Memorial is a good way to begin.

For those who haven’t been for a while, here are the National Park Service’s directions:

Directions

The US Marine Corps War Memorial is in Virginia near Arlington National Cemetery.

By Car

From VA 110 south turn right onto Marshall Drive, then follow signs for the US Marine Corps War Memorial.

From US 50 east take the exit for Rosslyn and the Key Bridge. Turn right onto Meade Street at the top of the ramp. Turn left on Marshall Drive, then follow the signs for the US Marine Corps War Memorial.

From US 50 west cross into Virginia on the Roosevelt Bridge and take the exit for Rosslyn and the Key Bridge. Turn left onto Meade Street at the top of the ramp. Turn left on Marshall Drive, then follow the signs for the US Marine Corps War Memorial.

Parking is available at the US Marine Corps War Memorial. Buses should load and unload in the inner lane. Parking at the memorial is restricted to six vehicles with handicapped parking permits on Tuesdays from 3 pm to 9 pm in June and July and from 2:30 pm to 8:30 pm on August 1 and August 8.

By Metro

The carillon is a 10-15 minute walk from either the Rosslyn or Arlington National Cemetery Metro station.

And here is the National Park Service’s page on the Memorial.

Another option is the National Museum of the Marine Corps. Though it is closed due to the shutdown, there is a birthday cake cutting and limited activities today (and merch). The Museum is located in Triangle, Virginia, off I-95, less than an hour outside of Washington. It’s been on my bucket list for a few years, and I hear it’s a phenomenal experience.

To all those Marines past and present, and to those I’ve had the honor of knowing personally, Happy Birthday.