Marblehead locals, veterans and patriots from around New England gathered to watch the official opening of Marine Week Boston at historic Fort Sewall on Thursday, Aug. 21.
The U.S. Marine Corps put on a show to celebrate their 250th birthday, including performances from the Quantico Marine Band, color guard, speeches, a jet flyover and more.
The day started at 4:30 p.m., with a performance of “God Bless America” by the Quantico Marine Band, which was followed by the National Anthem. In one of the most anticipated moments of the day, four F/A-18 Legacy Hornet fighter jets did a flyover of Fort Sewall, drawing cheers from the crowd.
CURRENT PHOTO/GREY COLLINS
CURRENT PHOTO/GREY COLLINS
Select Board member and Marine Corps veteran Moses Grader gave some brief remarks, speaking about how the Marines do not just create soldiers willing to serve our country but citizens who understand the importance of defending the U.S. Constitution and liberty.
“The Constitution is not only the letter and spirit of our law but also the moral compass by which every Marine is guided when in harm’s way, and when returning home,” Grader said.
Then he turned the microphone over to Select Board Chair Dan Fox, who read a proclamation, which honored the Marine Corps, recognized its shared history with the town, and declared Aug. 21, 2025, as Marine Corps Day in Marblehead.
State Sen. Brendan Crighton and state Rep. Jenny Armini read citations from the Massachusetts State House and Senate to celebrate the historic moment.
The guest of honor and keynote speaker was Congressman Seth Moulton, who served in the U.S. Marine Corps in the wake of 9/11. Moulton said his time in the Marines influenced him a great deal, teaching him important lessons in leadership and courage that he has taken with him to Washington.
“The Marines ingrain into you the principles of integrity and moral courage, two things severely lacking from many people in politics today,” he said in an interview before the ceremony. “I simply would never have this job without the Marines.”
His service also showed him the consequences of poorly executed federal policies, an experience that eventually led him to politics.
“I didn’t study politics in school or grow up in a political family, but I felt I saw the consequences of failed leadership in Washington over my tours in Iraq, and that’s why I first ran for Congress,” said Moulton in an email to the Current.
During the celebration, Moulton recognized all those who volunteer to fight to preserve freedom and keep tyranny at bay at home and abroad.
“This anniversary reminds me that America’s strength has always come from our volunteers, those willing to sign up and serve, especially during challenging or divisive times when our freedoms are under threat,” said Moulton before the ceremony. “I was proud to serve after 9/11, and I admire those willing to serve in a variety of ways today as our democracy is under threat at home.”
In his address, Moulton spoke about the history that Marblehead and the Marine Corps share, from crossing the Delaware in the Revolution to being the birthplace of Marine aviation in 1912.
Moulton also emphasized the values of hard work, courage and sacrifice that make the Marines special, and remembered the powerful lessons in moral courage that he and his fellow Marines learned in Iraq. In these turbulent times, Moulton believes it’s more important than ever to remember these lessons.
“‘Never give up the moral high ground’ is some of the best advice I’ve ever received,” said Moulton in his address. “I can’t tell you how many times that proved true, that the moral dilemmas we faced were the most difficult and required the most courageous leadership. Being a good Marine, just like being a good citizen, is more important than ever right now in America.”
Following the congressman’s remarks, a ceremonial birthday cake was cut. The first piece was handed to Moulton, the guest of honor. The second piece was handed to Major Richard Brown, the oldest Marine in attendance.
To finish the ceremonies, the famed Marine Corps Silent Drill Platoon performed silent exhibition drills for the spellbound audience.
