As America celebrates its 250th birthday in 2026, the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation is proud to continue its mission of honoring and preserving the legacy of the United States Marine Corps through a special nationwide storytelling initiative: Marines Across America.
This series is more than a celebration of military service—it is a celebration of character, commitment, and the enduring role Marines have played in shaping our nation for nearly two and a half centuries. Through personal stories shared by Marines, their families, and their communities, we bring to life what it means to be a Marine—both in uniform and beyond.
Over the course of 2025, Marines Across America featured Marines from every corner of the country: from combat photographers and wounded warriors to entrepreneurs, educators, and community leaders. Some were nominated by friends and family; others were discovered by our storytelling partner, SDI. Each story stands as a powerful reminder that the legacy of the Marine Corps doesn’t end at retirement—it continues in classrooms, neighborhoods, boardrooms, and beyond.
As we look ahead to 2026 and the America250 celebrations, the Foundation will continue this effort by publishing the Marines Across America stories in a dedicated blog series here on marineheritage.org. This expanded platform will allow us to not only reach more readers, but also to better preserve these legacies for future generations.
The history of the United States is inseparable from the history of the Marine Corps. For 250 years, Marines have stood watch over the ideals of liberty, honor, and service. Their courage has shaped American history—from the Revolutionary War to today’s global missions.
Through Marines Across America, we’re shining a light on the everyday heroes who represent that legacy. These are not just war stories—they’re human stories. Stories of resilience. Of transformation. Of continued service. They remind us that when a Marine returns home, their mission is far from over.
As we commemorate America’s 250th birthday, we invite you to help us preserve 250 years of American history as seen through the eyes of its Marines. Your support enables the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation to continue collecting, sharing, and safeguarding these powerful stories—online, in classrooms, and at the National Museum of the Marine Corps.
Together, we can ensure that the values Marines fight for—honor, courage, and commitment—are never forgotten.
💬 Follow the conversation on social using #MarinesAcrossAmerica and #America250
As our nation celebrates its 250th birthday in 2026, Marines Across America honors the legacy of those who have served in the United States Marine Corps and the impact they’ve made—on and off the battlefield—for 250 years. This special storytelling series, part of the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation’s ongoing efforts to preserve Marine Corps history, highlights Marines from across the country whose service and continued contributions embody the values of honor, courage, and commitment.
Through personal stories, career reflections, and community leadership, these Marines represent the enduring spirit of service that has shaped America since 1775. As we commemorate America250, we invite you to help us preserve this living history. Your support ensures that the stories of Marines—past, present, and future—will be shared with future generations.