“From the Halls of Montezuma to the Shores of Tripoli,” the United States Marine Corps has always been in the forefront of the nation’s wars.

To highlight and honor that heritage of service and patriotism, the Williamsport Detachment #388 Marine Corps League will hold its Annual Marine Corps Birthday Ball at Bald Birds Brewing Company, 220 Shaffer Lane, Jersey Shore, on Friday, November 6, from 5 to 10 p.m.

This year’s milestone event marks the 251st birthday of the United States Marine Corps and offers a historic opportunity to recognize and commemorate the 250th birthday of the United States.

The historic birthday of the United States Marine Corps traces back to November 10, 1775, when the Second Continental Congress meeting in Philadelphia passed a resolution establishing two battalions of Continental Marines. That historic event unfolded at Tun Tavern in Philadelphia. Samuel Nicholas, the newly commissioned First Commandant of the Continental Marines, partnered with tavern proprietor Robert Mullan — who served as the primary recruiter—to enlist the very first Marines. Lured by cold beer and the call to serve a nation in its infancy, men gathered at Tun Tavern to answer the country’s first call to arms. Because this historic birthday occurred nearly eight months before the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the Corps was born prior to the founding of the nation itself.

The Ball will feature dynamic guest speakers, live entertainment, catered dining, and time-honored Marine Corps traditions:
– Guest Speaker: Retired Master Sgt., USMC, Robert Mosley.
– Featured Entertainment: Guest singers Kopper and Kash, featuring former Tiadaghton Queen, Ava Musser.
– Ceremonial Customs: The formal reading of General John A. Lejeune’s 1921 Birthday Message and the ceremonial cake-cutting, where the first pieces of cake are served to the guest of honor and the oldest and youngest Marines present to pass tradition across generations.
– Semiquincentennial Tribute: Special recognition celebrating America’s 250th anniversary year.

“This is a momentous year as we gather to celebrate 251 years of Marine Corps tradition — a story that began at Tun Tavern on November 10, 1775 — alongside our nation’s historic 250th anniversary,” said a representative for Detachment #388. “We invite our members, local veterans, military families, and community supporters to join us for an unforgettable evening.”