Credit: Ali Sahib, Chronicle.lu
On Saturday 15 November 2025, the United States Marine Corps (USMC) held its 250th Birthday Ball at the Parc Hotel Alvisse in Dommeldange.
The Marine Corps Birthday Ball is the annual formal celebration marking the founding of the United States Marine Corps on 10 November 1775. The tradition of holding a formal Ball dates back to 1925, when Commandant General John A. Lejeune helped establish the format that has since become a defining Marine Corps ceremony.
The ceremony followed the traditional programme, which included the presentation of the colours, a moment of silence for fallen comrades and the annual birthday video. One of the central elements was the ceremonial cutting of the birthday cake, with the oldest Marine present, Staff Sergeant Roger Behrend, passing a slice to the youngest Marine, Lance Corporal Jhovany M. Mejia, symbolising the transfer of experience between generations. The programme also featured the reading of General John A. Lejeune’s Birthday Message.
During the event in Luxembourg, United States Ambassador Stacey Feinberg underlined the longstanding role of the Marine Corps as a frontline force in protecting American interests abroad. “From the earliest days, the Marines have taken on missions that no one else could do. When embassies are threatened or crises unfold, the Marines are there,” she said, noting that the strength of the Corps “has always been about character rather than technology.”
Gunnery Sergeant Nathan Summers, Detachment Commander at the US Embassy in Luxembourg, reflected on the commitment of his Marines and the significance of the evening. “It is an honour to stand here tonight with my detachment,” he said. “Fourteen years ago, I began my first night of recruit training as an 18-year-old who only knew that I wanted to become a Marine. Today I can claim many titles, but the one I am most proud of is that I stood on those yellow footprints and earned the title ‘United States Marine’.”
Master Gunnery Sergeant Angel Rodriguez, serving as guest speaker, highlighted the significance of the birthday ceremony within Marine Corps tradition. “This ceremony is one of our proudest traditions, a moment to reflect on where we have been, who we are and where we are going,” he said, noting that the Corps’ heritage stretches back to its origins in 1775 and has been shaped by generations of Marines who served in demanding and dangerous conditions around the world.
He added that today’s Marines continue that legacy: “Less than 1% of young Americans answer the call to serve, and fewer still become Marines. Yet they step forward, ready to respond to crises in every corner of the globe. We place great trust in these young men and women, and they meet that responsibility with discipline and resilience.” Angel Rodriguez emphasised that Marine Security Guards remain a vital part of this mission, protecting US embassies and personnel in challenging environments worldwide.
The formal programme concluded with the Marines Hymn, after which guests continued the evening with a dinner followed by a celebration.
