Fri Nov 07 11:30:00 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a summary of the text and a news article based on it:
Summary:
Camp Lejeune held a celebration for the U.S. Marine Corps’ 250th birthday this week, ahead of the official November 10th date. The event featured a traditional cake-cutting ceremony with the oldest and youngest Marines, and a pageant showcasing the evolution of Marine uniforms. Veterans in attendance emphasized the importance of service to the country. Active-duty Marines were unavailable for comment due to the ongoing government shutdown.
News Article:
Camp Lejeune Celebrates 250 Years of Marine Corps History
JACKSONVILLE, N.C. (WITN) – Camp Lejeune commemorated the U.S. Marine Corps’ upcoming 250th birthday this week with a celebration steeped in tradition and patriotism. While the official birthday falls on November 10th, the base held its annual cake-cutting ceremony, a symbolic event where the oldest and youngest Marines present share the first slices.
“This is just a great thing to see, the pageantry and the traditions of the cake cutting,” said Marine veteran Paul Levesque. “The birthday of the Marine Corps is always a great day for us.”
The celebration also included a pageant show, offering a visual history of the Corps by showcasing 16 different Marine uniforms worn since its founding in 1775. The display highlighted the evolution of the uniform, from its early days when material was made of cloth to today’s modern designs.
Army veteran Wayne Gray, who dedicated ten and a half years of his life to the military, highlighted the importance of service to the country,
“I dedicated ten and a half years of my life to the military. Served two in Vietnam, so this country means everything: life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. And so far, I’ve done pretty well,” Gray said.
“We bleed red, white, and blue, and this country is really worth fighting for,” Levesque added, underscoring the deep commitment of those who have served.
Due to the current government shutdown, active-duty Marines were unavailable for comment at the event.
Copyright 2025 WITN. All rights reserved.
First Piper 