50 State Cake Cutting

This November, all 50 states came together in a historic, nationwide tribute to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the United States Marine Corps. In ceremonies led by state governors, Americans honored two and a half centuries of service and sacrifice.

Ceremonial US Marine Birthday Cake Cutting at NMMC

250 Years of Unwavering Loyalty to Our Nation

Across the country, communities came together to honor the 250th Marine Corps Birthday. Each celebration featured the traditional cake-cutting ceremony—first begun in 1921 by Gen. John A. Lejeune—symbolizing the passing of legacy and leadership from one generation of Marines to the next. Veterans, active duty Marines, local leaders, and supporters gathered to watch the oldest Marine pass the first slice of cake to the youngest, a powerful reminder of the Corps’ enduring heritage.

These photos showcase a handful of celebrations that brought communities together to honor the Marine Corps’ proud history and lasting legacy.

Governor Kay Ivey joined members of the Alabama Marine Corps League for a special cutting celebration!

The Adv. Wedding Cake students had an amazing opportunity to present and serve a decorated cake to celebrate the 250th birthday of the United States Marine Corp at the Arkansas State Capitol on Monday.

The Governor of Colorado was honored to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States Marine Corps at the Fitzsimons Veterans Community Living Center.

Georgia celebrates the 250th birthday of the United States Marine Corps.

The Bakery Unlimited partnered with American Bakers of America and the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation to honor the 250th birthday of the United States Marine Corps. They proudly donated cakes for the Marine Corps birthday celebrations at the Iowa Capitol. Iowa’s Governor joined the Marine Corps League as the keynote speaker, addressing nearly 300 Marine Corps veterans and supporters.

Louisiana's event was emceed by Ms. Elaina Branzaru, with Major Luke Culver serving as our Guest of Honor. Governor Jeff Landry proudly participated in the celebration and had the honor of cutting the cake to mark this historic milestone for the Marines.

Several local and state veterans organizations gather at the Maryland State House for a celebration and cake cutting.

Nevada Department of Veterans Services held special ceremonies at the Southern Nevada State Veterans Home and the the Northern Nevada State Veterans Homes.

Governor Kelly Ayotte joined active duty and reserve members of the United States Marine Corps, Marine veterans, members of the Marine Corps League, and supporters from across New Hampshire to celebrate the Marines’ 250th birthday.

New Mexico Department of Veterans’ Services honored Marines at a State Capitol Rotunda ceremony that included the presentation of colors by the Cibola High School Marine Corps JROTC, the Commandant's birthday message and a cake-cutting ceremony as part of the nationwide Marine Corps Heritage Foundation “50 State Cake-Cutting” initiative.

The New York State Department of Veterans' Services proudly joined the National Marine Corps Council and Marines from across the Capital Region and NYS to celebrate the 250th Birthday of the United States Marine Corps at the historic Capitol War Room.

The Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs proudly celebrated the 250th birthday of the United States Marine Corps with a special ceremony inside the Oregon State Capitol building.

South Dakota celebrated the birthday with a ceremony and official cake cutting in Pierre, accompanied by Governor Larry Rhoden.

Michigan held a special House session marking the 250th anniversary of the United States Marine Corps.

Virginia Celebrates the 250th birthday with a ceremony at the Virginia War Memorial, accompanied by Governor Glenn Youngkin.

Kansas 250 Marine Corps Celebration. Cake was proudly donated from The American Bakers Association.

Arizona 250 Marine Corps Celebration. Cake was proudly donated from The American Bakers Association.

Nebraska 250 Marine Corps Celebration. Cake was proudly donated from The American Bakers Association.

Illinois 250 Marine Corps Celebration. Cake was proudly donated from The American Bakers Association.

Kansas 250 Marine Corps Celebration. Cake was proudly donated from The American Bakers Association.

New Jersey 250 Marine Corps Celebration. Cake was proudly donated from The American Bakers Association.

Texas 250 Marine Corps Celebration. Cake was proudly donated from The American Bakers Association.

Washington, DC 250 Marine Corps Celebration. Cake was proudly donated from The American Bakers Association.

Tennessee 250 Marine Corps Celebration. Cake was proudly donated from The American Bakers Association.

Oklahoma 250 Marine Corps Celebration. Cake was proudly donated from The American Bakers Association.

Florida 250 Marine Corps Celebration. Cake was proudly donated from The American Bakers Association.

Nebraska 250 Marine Corps Celebration. Cake was proudly donated from The American Bakers Association.

Cake proudly donated from The American Bakers Association.

Wisconsin 250 Marine Corps Celebration. Cake was proudly donated from The American Bakers Association.

Maryland 250 Marine Corps Celebration. Cake was proudly donated from The American Bakers Association.

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California 250 Marine Corps Celebration. Cake was proudly donated from The American Bakers Association.

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Virginia 250 Marine Corps Celebration. Cake was proudly donated from The American Bakers Association.

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Florida 250 Marine Corps Celebration. Cake was proudly donated from The American Bakers Association.

Georgia 250 Marine Corps Celebration. Cake was proudly donated from The American Bakers Association.

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Virginia 250 Marine Corps Celebration. Cake was proudly donated from The American Bakers Association.

Rhode Island 250 Marine Corps Celebration. Cake was proudly donated from The American Bakers Association.

Oklahoma 250 Marine Corps Celebration. Cake was proudly donated from The American Bakers Association.

Virginia 250 Marine Corps Celebration. Cake was proudly donated from The American Bakers Association.

Georgia 250 Marine Corps Celebration. Cake was proudly donated from The American Bakers Association.

Ohio 250 Marine Corps Celebration. Cake was proudly donated from The American Bakers Association.

New York 250 Marine Corps Celebration. Cake was proudly donated from The American Bakers Association.

Ohio 250 Marine Corps Celebration. Cake was proudly donated from The American Bakers Association.

During California’s annual Veterans Day Parade in Sacramento, the state’s MC250 cake-cutting ceremony took place at the start of the parade, with Marines in attendance participating in the ceremonial cake cutting.

The Marine Corps League of Connecticut and the state’s Department of Veterans Affairs hosted a public ceremony in the rotunda of the historic state capitol building in Hartford.

Arizona Secretary of State Adrian Fontes, Marine veteran, led the state’s cake-cutting celebration, outside the state capitol in Phoenix.

Georgia Governor Brian Kemp, joined by Georgia leaders Steve Mendez, Shawn Hanley and State Senator Ed Harbison, gathered with veterans at the Georgia State Capitol for a ceremonial cake-cutting in recognition of their service.

As part of Hawaii’s cake-cutting ceremony, the Marine Corps flag was raised over the state capitol in Honolulu.

Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly had the honor of cutting the cake at the state’s ceremony held at the state capitol.

Kentucky Gov. Andy Bashear addressed the crowd at the state’s cake-cutting ceremony, hosted by the Kentucky Department of Veterans Affairs.

Louisiana Governor joins Marines and veterans to celebrate the 250th birthday of the United States Marine Corps.

On Nov. 1, Mississippi hosted a Marine 250 Gala and cake-cutting ceremony at the Jackson Convention Center, attended by Gov. Tate Reeves.

New Hampshire leaders, Marines, and veterans gather to celebrate the 250th birthday of the United States Marine Corps.

Marines, veterans, and community leaders gather in Missouri to commemorate the 250th birthday of the United States Marine Corps.

The residence of Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen was the site of the state’s cake-ceremony, which attracted Marines from across the state.

Attendees gathered around a Marine to witness the cake cutting at the state capitol during New Mexico’s celebration of the 250th anniversary of the Marine Corps.

New Jersey Governor delivers remarks honoring the 250th birthday of the United States Marine Corps.

Tennessee Governor meets with veterans during a celebration marking the 250th birthday of the United States Marine Corps.