By Tiffany Williams –
BOSTON — U.S. Marines are in and around Boston this week as part of Marine Week Boston, commemorating the 250th anniversary of the Marine Corps and honoring a legacy of service, sacrifice and fidelity to the nation and to one another.
The weeklong celebration began Thursday with a welcoming ceremony in Marblehead hosted by Marines with Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force 250. The event included remarks from local leaders, a concert by the Quantico Marine Band, a precision performance by the Silent Drill Platoon and a traditional cake cutting led by Col. J.J. Wilson, commanding officer of SPMAGTF-250.
On the same day, Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps Gen. Christopher J. Mahoney joined Boston Mayor Michelle Wu in a ribbon-cutting ceremony, took part in a wreath laying with State Rep. Steven Xiarhos honoring Cpl. Nicholas G. Xiarhos, who was killed during Operation Enduring Freedom, and attended a dedication for Cpl. Joseph J. Cappuccio, who served in the Battle of Iwo Jima during World War II. Marines also volunteered at Community Servings, a Boston nonprofit that delivers meals to food-insecure households.
On Friday, Marines joined sailors and volunteers with the 1812 Marine Guard aboard the USS Constitution, the Navy’s oldest commissioned ship. Later that day, Marines hosted a wreath laying ceremony at the Soldiers and Sailors Monument to honor those who served in the Vietnam War. Marines also staged a static display at Boston Common, conducted outreach flights at Logan International Airport, and performed at Faneuil Hall Marketplace with the Quantico Marine Band.
Marine Week continues through Sunday, featuring public fitness sessions with Marines, morning and evening colors ceremonies, wreath layings, static equipment and aircraft displays, band and drill performances, and a closing ceremony at Christopher Columbus Waterfront Park.
The week highlights not only Marine Corps history but also the connection between Marines and the communities they serve, reflecting the Corps’ motto of Semper Fidelis — “Always Faithful.”