By Jim Martin, Chairman, 60 Plus Association

Today, November 10, marks the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States Marine Corps — a day that should stir the hearts of every American who cherishes freedom, courage, and service. As a proud Marine myself, I join my fellow Leathernecks across the country and around the world in saluting two and a half centuries of valor. Once a Marine, always a Marine.

I joined the Corps in 1953 at the age of 17, during the Korean War. Like so many young men of my generation, I answered the call to serve because I believed deeply in America and the ideals she represents. I served two tours on active duty, including three unforgettable years with the elite Marine Security Detachment at the American Embassy in Djakarta, Indonesia, during the tense days of the 1956–57 Suez Canal crisis. Those experiences forged in me a lifelong respect for the discipline, honor, and esprit de corps that define every Marine — past and present.

The Marine Corps is more than just a fighting force; it is a family. From the Halls of Montezuma to the shores of Tripoli, from Iwo Jima to Fallujah, Marines have always stood ready to protect the freedoms we hold dear. Every Marine knows the meaning of sacrifice — and every Marine family shares in that sacrifice. Behind every man and woman in uniform stands a spouse, a parent, a child, a loved one who carries the burden of uncertainty and pride in equal measure. On this 250th anniversary, we honor them all.

For a quarter of a millennium, Marines have been at the tip of the spear in America’s defense. In times of war and peace alike, they have demonstrated courage beyond measure. The Marines have landed on beaches and battled through jungles, deserts, and mountains. They’ve stood guard at embassies, delivered humanitarian aid after disasters, and carried hope to the hopeless in the darkest corners of the globe. No matter the mission, Marines accomplish it with determination, integrity, and faith in one another.

The motto “Semper Fidelis” — Always Faithful — isn’t just a slogan. It’s a way of life. It means faithfulness to God, country, and fellow Marines. It means keeping your word even when it’s hard. It means standing up for what’s right even when you stand alone. That spirit has guided the Corps since 1775, and it continues to inspire new generations of young Americans who choose to wear the uniform.

This anniversary is more than just a moment to look back — it’s also a time to look forward. The challenges facing our nation today are real, but so is the courage and conviction of those who serve. The same grit and determination that carried Marines through Belleau Wood, Guadalcanal, and Khe Sanh will carry the next generation through whatever lies ahead. Technology may change, tactics may evolve, but the Marine heart — that unbreakable combination of courage, honor, and love of country — remains the same.

As the chairman of the 60 Plus Association, an organization dedicated to America’s seniors, I also see the enduring bond between our military values and the generations who came before. Many of today’s older Americans — the parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents of our current service members — wore the uniform themselves or supported loved ones who did. They understand that freedom isn’t free. The legacy of the Marine Corps belongs not only to those who served but to all Americans who benefit from their sacrifice.

At 250 years, the Corps stands as a symbol of the best America has to offer. In every generation, Marines have stepped forward when called, often at great personal cost. They have done so not for glory, but out of duty — to defend liberty, to protect the innocent, and to preserve the blessings of this great Republic.

So, as we celebrate this historic milestone — not only tomorrow but throughout the week and beyond — I invite every American to take a moment to thank a Marine. Shake their hand, look them in the eye, and let them know their service matters. Remember those who never came home, and honor the families who bear their memory.

To my fellow Marines — past, present, and future — I offer a heartfelt salute. You have upheld the highest traditions of our nation and the Corps. From one Leatherneck to another, I say with pride: Semper Fidelis. Always faithful. Always free.

Jim Martin is the founder and chairman of the 60 Plus Association, the American Association of Senior Citizens. A U.S. Marine Corps veteran, he previously served as chief of staff to former Florida Congressman and Senator Edward Gurney and was a member of President George W. Bush’s Health and Human Services transition team.