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The Association is proud to support the celebration of the Corps' 250th anniversary.
As the vibrant colors of red, white, and blue begin to adorn our neighborhoods, and the tantalizing scent of summer cookouts fills the air, we approach the 4th of July. For many, it's a cherished day of festivities and family gatherings. But for those of us who have worn the uniform, this holiday carries a much deeper, more profound significance.
On July 4, 1776, a group of courageous leaders took a truly audacious step, declaring our independence from tyranny. Who could have known that this fledgling country, born from such a bold act, would one day blossom into the envy of the world? This Declaration of Independence laid the groundwork for a nation founded on the principles of liberty, justice, and self-governance – ideals that resonate just as powerfully today.
And from those foundational moments, our nation's defenders emerged and the Marine Corps, has been an integral part of this country's story since the very founding of our nation. Marines have stood ready to defend those sacred ideals, serving with unwavering loyalty and courage through every challenge our nation has faced. We understand, perhaps more than most, the immense value of the freedoms enshrined in that historic document. We've seen firsthand the cost of liberty, carrying the weight of that understanding with us always.
As we celebrate the 249th birthday of our country, this 4th of July takes on even greater meaning. It's a powerful reminder of our origins and the incredible journey our nation has embarked upon.
So, as you celebrate this Independence Day, we urge all Americans to stop and be truly thankful. Be thankful not only for the incredible privilege of living in this country but also for the countless individuals who have been, and continue to be, willing to defend this way of life.
The 4th of July is more than just fireworks and barbecues; it is a profound celebration of what it means to be an American. It is a day to remember our origins, to honor those who have protected our way of life, and to recommit ourselves to the ideals of liberty and justice for all.
From all of us at The Marine Corps Reserve Association, we wish you a safe, meaningful, and very Happy Independence Day. God Bless America.
To be totally honest, The Tun will not be open on 10 November 2025. Dispite all the efforts, the matter of fact is The Tun Legacy Foundation does not have the necessary funds/ support from Marines as hoped. Yes it is disappointing, however it does not mean progress has not been. One of the means by shich The Foundation is hoping to raise additional funds is kicking off the "1775 Club." So if you want to see The Tun rebuilt? Or do you want to make a toast to the Corps in The Tun®? Learn more about The Club and how to join, click here.
I CAME HOME One came home to tears of Joy One came Home to tears of sorrow
One had a parade with cheers of Joy and Relief One had a Procession with tears of Grief and Suffering
One felt the warm embrace of their Loved Ones One had feelings of loss, broken dreams and loneliness
One made plans for their future lives together One had lost dreams and fear for their future
Why did I come home when so many did not? Those of us who served in Combat and came home have feelings of guilt for those who will never come home
SgtMaj Joseph A Staudt Memorial Day 2025
Modernizing equipment, improving readiness and securing predictable funding for the next fight remain top priorities for the reserve components of the U.S. military, senior leaders told lawmakers yesterday.
"I thank the subcommittee for its continued support, especially through the National Guard and Reserve Equipment Account," LtGen Anderson said "For the Marine Corps Reserve, NGREA is not just a funding line, it's a warfighting requirement. These funds allow us to field and sustain the platforms, communication systems and equipment that Marines need to train as they fight. READ FULL STORY To view his opening remarks, click here.
As part of his written testimony before the House Armed Services Committee on May 6, 2025, Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps Gen. Christopher J. Mahoney reaffirmed the Marine Corps Reserve’s role as a combat-ready, integral part of the Total Force.
As the Marine Corps modernizes and operational tempo increases, the Marine Corps Reserve Component remains an integral part of the total Force. Marine Forces Reserve (MARFORRES) has increasingly activated units to provide operational relief to the Active Component (AC). In FY24, support to the AC nearly doubled over FY23 with 600 activations supporting joint force commanders in Southwest Asia, South America, Africa, Europe, and the Pacific. In FY25, activations will more than double FY24 levels, with nearly 1,500 Reserve Marines, approximately 4% of the Reserve Component (RC), activating to support Global Force Management commitments. read here.
The National Military Family Association is the leading nonprofit organization committed to strengthening and protecting military families. The mission of this scholarship program is to help prepare military spouses for meaningful employment and to better contribute to their family’s financial security. The second batch of scholarship checks are stamped and ready to mail to 77 hard-working military spouses! We are thrilled to be able to award almost $80,000 in donor-funded scholarships for the fall semester!
Could you use a scholarship? Applications are open through June 30, apply here.
Get ready to make history! As the Marine Corps Reserve Association approaches its monumental 100th Anniversary on November 10, 2026, we're embarking on a special project to commemorate this incredible milestone: an "Oral History" book, created in partnership with Publishing Concepts!
Imagine your stories, your experiences, and your memories as a member of the MCRRA preserved for generations to come. This commemorative book will be a tapestry woven from the personal narratives of our dedicated members, offering a unique and intimate look at the Association's century of service and camaraderie. CLICK HERE to learn more about the project.
The Association would like to acknowledge those who have committed to supporting The Association at the Benefactor level. Their support will fulfill our promise to the men and women who sacrifice for our freedom - Today - Tomorrow. Become a Benefactor Today!
To read the current MCRA By-Laws, members should click here.
1. UPDATE TO THE ARMED FORCES CLASSIFICATION TEST RETEST REQUEST PROCESS MARADMIN 250/25
2. IMPLEMENTING POLICY ON PRIORITIZING MILITARY EXCELLENCE AND READINESS VOLUNTARY SEPARATIONS MARADMIN 239/25
3. RESULTS OF THE FY25 4TH MARINE AIRCRAFT WING (MAW) ADVERSARY SQUADRON PILOT (ASP) SELECTION BOARD MARADMIN 238/25
4. ANNOUNCEMENT OF RESERVE SERGEANTS MAJOR SLATE FOR CALENDAR YEAR 2025/2026 MARADMIN 230/25
5. NONCOMPETITIVE CORPORAL TO SERGEANT RECRUITER PROMOTIONS FOR THE MARINE CORPS RESERVE COMPONENT MARADMIN: 229/25
The MCRA latest PODCAST focuses on the career ofCol David Leighton, USMCR (Ret). In this PODCAST we will hear why Dave joined the Marine Corps; his training to become a Marine and a Naval Aviator. Listen to what Vietnam was like during the Corps' first "Advisory" mission in 1961. We hear about the Corps build-up and flying combat missions in 1966. Dave will also discuss the Association from the 1970s to today. This is a PODCAST you do not want to miss, from an American warrior who has served his country for over 60 years. Col David Leighton PODCAST
We now have 11 new PODCASTS for your enjoyment. Please listen and leave a comment to improve our content. Best, we would appreciate it if you were to share. SPOTIFY PODCASTS MCRA YOU TUBE PODCASTS
President Bush announced that he planned to add more than 200,000 U.S. troops to those already deployed in Operation Desert Shield in the Persian Gulf area. The number of Marines in the area would be doubled by the addition of II MEF units from the Corps' east coast bases, and the 5th MEB from California. Within the next two months, Marine strength in the objective area would increase to nearly 90,000 Marines.
This date marked the first formal commemoration of the birthday of the Marine Corps as 10 November. On 21 October 1921, Maj Edwin McClellan, OIC of the Historical Section, HQMC, sent a memo to MajGen Commandant John A. Lejeune, suggesting that the original birthday of 10 November 1775 be declared a Marine Corps holiday to be celebrated throughout the Corps. Accordingly, on 1 Nov 1921, Gen Lejeune issued Marine Corps Order No. 47 summarizing the history, mission, and tradition of the Corps, and directed that it be read to every command each 10 November.
Veterans Day was initially known as Armistice Day and celebrated the end of World War I known at the time as “The Great War”. The armistice, or call for peace, by the Germans was signed officially with the Treaty of Versailles was signed on June 28, 1919, in the Palace of Versailles outside the town of Versailles, France. However, the fighting ended on Nov. 11, 1918 when an armistice went into effect on the "eleventh hour" of the "eleventh day" of the "eleventh month".
Veterans Day continues to be observed on November 11, regardless of what day of the week on which it falls. The restoration of the observance of Veterans Day to November 11 not only preserves the historical significance of the date, but helps focus attention on the important purpose of Veterans Day: A celebration to honor America’s veterans for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good.
The Vietnam Veterans Memorial, containing the names of more than 13,000 Marines who lost their lives in Vietnam, was dedicated this date at the Memorial site in Washington, D.C. The dedication and parade that preceded it were part of a week-long National Salute to Vietnam Veterans.
The 4th Marine Brigade, as part of the 2d Division, American Expeditionary Force, began its march to the Rhine River, passing through Belgium and Luxembourg, as part of the American forces occupying a defeated Germany.
The 2d Marine Division, commanded by Major General Julian C. Smith, landed on Betio Island, Tarawa Atoll, Gilbert Islands. After seventy-six hours of bitter fighting during which almost 1,000 Marines died, and more than 2,000 were wounded, MajGen Smith declared the island secure.
Marines lowered the flag at Subic Bay, U.S. Naval Facility, Republic of the Philippines, for the last time during ceremonies to turn over the facility to the government of the Philippines. The withdrawal ended almost a century of U.S. presence in that nation.
The conclusion of Operation Lancaster II ended 10 months of action against the Viet Cong and North Vietnamese Army troops in the west-central sector of the demilitarized zone region. Over 1,800 enemy were killed, 42 captured, and 913 weapons seized during the operation.
In a carefully planned assault, eight Chinese Communist divisions in Korea launched a massive attack which had as its expressed purpose, the destruction of the 1st Marine Division. This action led to the successful southward Marine Corps attack out of the Changjin (Chosin) Reservoir to the coastal port of Hungnam.
300 Marines of the 22d Marine Amphibious Unit staged an amphibious and helicopter landing on the island of Carriacou, 15 miles northeast of Grenada, in a search for Cuban military installations or personnel. 17 Grenadian soldiers were captured, and arms, ammunition, and training sites were found. The next day the 22d MAU left the Caribbean area and proceeded to Beirut, Lebanon to replace the 24th MAU.
MODERN DAY MARINE 2026
28 Apr 2026
Celebrating Freedom: A Veteran's Perspective on the 4th of July
7/4/2025
A Century of Connection: Share Your Story for The Association's 100th Anniversary Book!
5/10/2025
Making The Transition From The Uniformed Services to a Career in Cyber Security
By - Dion Edwards, MAJ, United States Army (Ret) Read More
NEW MEMBER JOB PORTAL The Association has joined forces with Bluu Kazi to provide a job placement platform. This platform is now live. This platform is dedicated to assisting Marines in finding new opportunities, building connections and discovering educational opportunities. Members will be able to upload resumes, search current opening positions, and receive educational assistance to prepare you for your transition to civilian life or to prepare you for a transition to a different line of work. Simply click on the photo above and begin your new journey.
Find Someone to help you:
Prepare for job interviews. Prepare your resume. Gen a mentor.
Team with our partner at Hire Heros USA.