--- title: Marine 250 Takes to the Show Ring at Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show description: The Marine Corps Heritage Foundation celebrated the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Marine Corps at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show with a special tribute featuring Corporal Chesty XVI, the Marine Corps Color Guard, and MajGen James W. Lukeman, USMC (Ret.). Read more about this historic event and how Marine 250 is being honored nationwide. image: https://www.marine250.com/hubfs/2198835194.jpg --- [Skip to content](https://www.marine250.com/blog/marine-250-westminster-dog-show-2025#main-content) [![250 Logo](https://www.marine250.com/hs-fs/hubfs/250%20Logo.png?width=139&height=77&name=250%20Logo.png)](https://marine250.com) - [ABOUT MARINE 250](https://www.marine250.com/about) Show submenu for ABOUT MARINE 250 - [MARINES ACROSS AMERICA](https://www.marine250.com/marines-across-america) Show submenu for MARINES ACROSS AMERICA - [PUBLIC SUBMISSIONS](https://www.marine250.com/marines-across-america-public-submissions) - [SUBMIT A MARINE](https://www.marine250.com/marines-across-america#MAA) - [THE 2025 LEGACY SOCIETY](https://www.marine250.com/2025-legacy-society) - [OUR SUPPORTERS](https://www.marine250.com/our-supporters) - [50 STATE CAKE CUTTING](https://www.marine250.com/cake-cuttings-across-america) - [COIN PROGRAM](https://www.marine250.com/commemorative-coin) - EVENTS Show submenu for EVENTS - [EVENT CALENDAR](https://www.marine250.com/events) - [PHOTO GALLERY](https://www.marine250.com/marine-250-photo-gallery) - [EVENT SUBMISSIONS](https://www.marine250.com/events-submission) - NEWSROOM Show submenu for NEWSROOM - [MARINE250 BLOG](https://www.marine250.com/blog) - [MARINES ACROSS AMERICA](https://www.marine250.com/marines-across-america-press-releases) - [GET INVOLVED](https://www.marine250.com/get-involved) Show submenu for GET INVOLVED - [SHARE YOUR CELEBRATION](https://www.marine250.com/share-your-celebration) Open main navigation Close main navigation - [ABOUT MARINE 250](https://www.marine250.com/about) Show submenu for ABOUT MARINE 250 - [MARINES ACROSS AMERICA](https://www.marine250.com/marines-across-america) Show submenu for MARINES ACROSS AMERICA - [PUBLIC SUBMISSIONS](https://www.marine250.com/marines-across-america-public-submissions) - [SUBMIT A MARINE](https://www.marine250.com/marines-across-america#MAA) - [THE 2025 LEGACY SOCIETY](https://www.marine250.com/2025-legacy-society) - [OUR SUPPORTERS](https://www.marine250.com/our-supporters) - [50 STATE CAKE CUTTING](https://www.marine250.com/cake-cuttings-across-america) - [COIN PROGRAM](https://www.marine250.com/commemorative-coin) - EVENTS Show submenu for EVENTS - [EVENT CALENDAR](https://www.marine250.com/events) - [PHOTO GALLERY](https://www.marine250.com/marine-250-photo-gallery) - [EVENT SUBMISSIONS](https://www.marine250.com/events-submission) - NEWSROOM Show submenu for NEWSROOM - [MARINE250 BLOG](https://www.marine250.com/blog) - [MARINES ACROSS AMERICA](https://www.marine250.com/marines-across-america-press-releases) - [GET INVOLVED](https://www.marine250.com/get-involved) Show submenu for GET INVOLVED - [SHARE YOUR CELEBRATION](https://www.marine250.com/share-your-celebration) - [BIRTHDAY AT THE MUSEUM](https://www.marine250.com/marine250-at-nmmc) [BIRTHDAY AT THE MUSEUM](https://www.marine250.com/marine250-at-nmmc) [All posts](https://www.marine250.com/blog/all) March 8, 2025 # Marine 250 Takes to the Show Ring at Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show By  [Stephanie Grooms](https://www.marine250.com/blog/author/stephanie-grooms)  ·  2 minute read Marine 250 took center stage at the prestigious Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show in New York City, highlighting the 250th anniversary of the United States Marine Corps in a truly unique way. The event, held at Madison Square Garden on February 10, brought together history, tradition, and celebration, marking another high-profile moment in the year-long Marine 250 campaign. ![2198835194](https://www.marine250.com/hs-fs/hubfs/2198835194.jpg?width=4000&height=2667&name=2198835194.jpg) ### Honoring Marine Corps Tradition at Westminster ![OJKChesty-2](https://www.marine250.com/hs-fs/hubfs/OJKChesty-2.jpg?width=200&height=300&name=OJKChesty-2.jpg)Among the special moments of the evening was the recognition of Corporal Chesty XVI, the beloved Marine Corps mascot bulldog, who was honored as a celebrity dog during the show. Chesty’s presence symbolized the long-standing connection between the Marine Corps and the bulldog breed, a bond that dates back over a century. Joining Chesty in the spotlight was Major General James W. Lukeman, USMC (Ret.), MCHF President and CEO, who addressed the live audience and spoke about the Marine Corps’ 250th anniversary and its significance. The event began with a powerful display of military precision and pride, as the Marine Barracks Washington Color Guard presented the colors before the playing of the National Anthem. “The 250th anniversary of the U.S. Marine Corps is a unique opportunity for the country to come together and honor the significant contributions that Marines have made to our nation,” said MajGen Lukeman. “The Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show was a wonderful opportunity to share our story with the general public, and we’ll continue to showcase the Marines at sporting events throughout 2025.” [Watch the interview here](https://youtu.be/OrDTt1Cer3o?feature=shared) ### A Year-Long Celebration of Marine Corps Legacy The Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show is just one of many major national events that MCHF has partnered with in 2025 to commemorate this milestone year. From sporting events to cultural moments, Marine 250 is dedicated to ensuring that every American is reminded of the courage, sacrifice, and service of the Marine Corps. Looking ahead, MCHF will continue its national outreach, with the Marine Corps 250 NASCAR race in Martinsville, VA (March 29). These partnerships allow MCHF to reach diverse audiences across the country, ensuring that the Marine Corps' legacy is honored far and wide. ![OJKChesty-11](https://www.marine250.com/hs-fs/hubfs/OJKChesty-11.jpg?width=6000&height=4000&name=OJKChesty-11.jpg) ### Stay Connected with Marine 250 To learn more about Marine 250 events happening throughout the year and to see how you can be part of this once-in-a-lifetime celebration, visit [Marine250.com](https://www.marine250.com/). Semper Fidelis! ---   ## **About Marine Corps 250 and the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation** Marine Corps 250 is a year-long national campaign honoring the 250th anniversary of the United States Marine Corps. Through events, partnerships, and storytelling, Marine Corps 250 highlights the legacy of the Marines—past, present, and future—celebrating their unwavering commitment to service, honor, and courage. The Marine Corps Heritage Foundation (MCHF), the organization leading this historic initiative, is dedicated to preserving and sharing the history, traditions, and culture of the Marine Corps. Through the National Museum of the Marine Corps, educational programs, and commemorative events, MCHF ensures that the legacy of the Corps is honored and passed down to future generations. For more information on Marine Corps 250 and how you can get involved, visit [www.Marine250.com](https://www.marine250.com/). Share: [facebook-f icon](http://www.facebook.com/share.php?u=https://www.marine250.com/blog/marine-250-westminster-dog-show-2025) [linkedin-in icon](http://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https://www.marine250.com/blog/marine-250-westminster-dog-show-2025) [twitter icon](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?url=https://www.marine250.com/blog/marine-250-westminster-dog-show-2025) [pinterest-p icon](http://pinterest.com/pin/create/link/?url=https://www.marine250.com/blog/marine-250-westminster-dog-show-2025) [envelope icon](mailto:?body=https://www.marine250.com/blog/marine-250-westminster-dog-show-2025) ## Related posts [![Marine 250 Takes Center Stage at Martinsville Speedway During the NASCAR Xfinity Series Marine 250](https://www.marine250.com/hubfs/Marine250_NASCAR_202540.jpg)](https://www.marine250.com/blog/marine-250-takes-center-stage-at-nascar) ### [Marine 250 Takes Center Stage at Martinsville Speedway During the NASCAR Xfinity Series Marine Corps 250 Race](https://www.marine250.com/blog/marine-250-takes-center-stage-at-nascar) [![Marine Corps 250 Takes the Mound at MLB Cactus League Spring Training](https://www.marine250.com/hubfs/LukemanJim%20copy.jpeg)](https://www.marine250.com/blog/marine-250-takes-the-mound-at-cactus-league-spring-training) ### [Marine 250 Takes the Mound at Cactus League Spring Training](https://www.marine250.com/blog/marine-250-takes-the-mound-at-cactus-league-spring-training) [![](https://www.marine250.com/hubfs/W5A_0404e.jpg)](https://www.marine250.com/blog/marine-corps-heritage-foundation-kicks-off-the-250th-anniversary-celebration-of-the-united-states-marine-corps-with-united-states-mint-commemorative-coin-striking-0) ### [Honoring 250 Years of Marine Corps Excellence at the World Equestrian Center](https://www.marine250.com/blog/marine-corps-heritage-foundation-kicks-off-the-250th-anniversary-celebration-of-the-united-states-marine-corps-with-united-states-mint-commemorative-coin-striking-0) ![250 Logo](https://www.marine250.com/hubfs/250%20Logo.png "250 Logo") [ABOUT MARINE 250](https://www.marine250.com/about) [EVENTS](https://www.marine250.com/events) [GET INVOLVED](https://www.marine250.com/get-involved) [MARINE CORPS HERITAGE FOUNDATION](https://marineheritage.org) [NATIONAL MUSEUM OF THE MARINE CORPS](http://www.usmcmuseum.com) 1775 Semper Fidelis Way Triangle, VA  22172
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