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You are cordially invited to attend the United Stated Marine Corps 250th Birthday Ball Saturday, November 8th, 2025 at The Pines Manor, 2085 Lincoln Highway (Rt. 27) Edison, NJ 08817. 

Four Hour Open Bar
Cocktails 1800 (6:00 PM) – 1900 (7:00 PM)
Hord d’ Oeuvres served Butler Style
Choice of three Entrees
Pan Roasted Salmon
Roast Prime Rib of Beef
French Chicken Breast stuffed with Bourdin Cheese

All entrees include:
Caesar Salad anJ Pasta Course
Coffee, Tea, Soda, and Dessert

Formal Ceremony and Cake Cutting 
Formal Dinner and Dancing to Follow
Black Tie or Dress Uniform Optional
Guests Welcome

Reservation: $140.00 per person
Early Bird: $120.00 if paid by 31 August 2025
All proceeds to benefit Toys for Tots
RSVP Janet Misak 732-738-4694

Download flier:

The William H. Smith Detachment 667 of the Marine Corps League is proud to host a formal celebration honoring the 250th Birthday of the United States Marine Corps. This special event will be held on Friday, November 8, 2025, from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM at the cccc, located at 815 Route 37W, Toms River, NJ 08755.

This milestone celebration promises an evening of tradition, pride, and camaraderie. Attendees will enjoy a Formal Ceremony, including a Cake Cutting Ceremony, followed by dinner and dancing. Entertainment will be provided by DJ Pesce.

Tickets are available for just $55 per person, which includes:

• A choice of one of three entrees:

  • Chicken Francese

  • Stuffed Flounder

  • Sliced Sirloin of Beef with Mushroom Gravy

• Hors d’oeuvres, salad, pasta course

• Coffee, tea, and dessert

A cash bar will be available, and each guest will receive one free drink, courtesy of the Smith Detachment.

Tickets can be purchased by contacting:

• Bob Meola: 732-674-7504

• Larry Migliorisi: 908-216-1834

• Bill Pivarnick: 848-240-3515

• Angel Vergara: 609-622-9065

• Steve Holland: 848-240-0102

This event is open to all who wish to honor the proud legacy and enduring spirit of the United States Marine Corps. Join us for a memorable evening as we celebrate 250 years of service, honor, and tradition.

The Marine Corps League, Gooney Bird Detachment, is proud to host the 2025 Marine Corps Ball in celebration of the 250th birthday of the United States Marine Corps. This momentous occasion will take place on Sunday, November 9, 2025, from 12 PM to 4 PM at The Grand, located at 38 Lackawanna Avenue, Totowa, NJ 07512.

This prestigious event honors the enduring legacy, sacrifice, and valor of all Marines—past and present. Guests will enjoy an afternoon of camaraderie, tradition, and tribute to the Marine Corps’ history.

Ticket Purchase:
Guests can conveniently purchase tickets by scanning the QR code on the event flyer to go to the event website or by contacting the organizer directly.

Join fellow Marines, veterans, families, and supporters in a celebration befitting a proud and time-honored tradition.

Download the flier:

Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1838 will honor the life and legacy of General Alfred M. Gray, Jr. (1928–2024)—the 29th Commandant of the United States Marine Corps,  —at the Marine Corps Birthday Ball on Monday, November 10, 2025, at Spring Lake Manor (415 NJ-71, Spring Lake, NJ). The event commemorates the 250th Birthday of the United States Marine Corps, founded on November 10, 1775, and will spotlight General Gray’s enduring impact on Marine warfighting doctrine, leadership, and professional military education.

“General Al Gray embodied the very best of the Marine Corps—humility, grit, and uncompromising devotion to his Marines,” said Robert Beavis, member, VFW Post 1838 and Jersey Shore Marine Corps League. “As we celebrate the Corps’ birthday, we also celebrate the leader who modernized our warfighting philosophy and reminded us that every Marine is, first and foremost, a rifleman.”

General Gray served as Commandant from 1987 to 1991, institutionalizing maneuver warfare through FMFM-1: Warfighting and establishing Marine Corps University to strengthen professional military education across all ranks. Known as the “Marines’ Marine,” he emphasized people over hardware, decentralized leadership, and readiness—principles that continue to guide the Corps and inspire leaders in every field.

“General Gray’s legacy is more than history—it is a living doctrine,” said Colonel R Beavis, USMC (Ret.), Ball Chair. “We’re proud to honor General Gray and the Marines who carry his standards forward every day.”

Event Highlights:

• Date/Time: Monday, November 10, 2025, 17:00 (5 PM) – 21:00 (9 PM)

• Location: Spring Lake Manor, 415 NJ-71, Spring Lake, NJ

• Ceremonies: Traditional cake-cutting, reading of General Lejeune’s and CMC’s message, tribute to General Gray, colors & honors. Music provided by JSOUL

• Tickets/Sponsorship: 80.00 per person; donations/sponsors desired. Venmo @colbeaver

• Attire: military dress/ suit or sport jacket with collared shirt.

• Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1838, 30 Ridge Ave, Manasquan, serves veterans, service members, and families, providing camaraderie, advocacy, and support programs that honor service and empower successful transitions.

• Pay by Venmo to:  @colbeaver

• All payments due by 1 November 2025

• Advise by email the full name of attendees to: 250usmc@gmail.com

• Invitees: USMC and USN Corpsman

250th Marine Corps Birthday Ball

Below are the scheduled dates for our upcoming in-person Department meetings, all of which will be held at the Sea Girt Facility. The start time has changed to 9:30AM. Please note that we might be in a different room depending on the date.

Meeting Schedule 2025-26

• September 7th in Auditorium
• November 23rd in Auditorium
• January 25th in Auditorium
• March 8th in Auditorium
• March 14th – Leadership School (Room Location TBD)

Below are the scheduled dates for our upcoming in-person Department meetings, all of which will be held at the Sea Girt Facility. The start time has changed to 9:30AM. Please note that we might be in a different room depending on the date.

Meeting Schedule 2025-26

• September 7th in Auditorium
• November 23rd in Auditorium
• January 25th in Auditorium
• March 8th in Auditorium
• March 14th – Leadership School (Room Location TBD)

Below are the scheduled dates for our upcoming in-person Department meetings, all of which will be held at the Sea Girt Facility. The start time has changed to 9:30AM. Please note that we might be in a different room depending on the date.

Meeting Schedule 2025-26

• September 7th in Auditorium
• November 23rd in Auditorium
• January 25th in Auditorium
• March 8th in Auditorium
• March 14th – Leadership School (Room Location TBD)