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:
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A choice of one of three entrees:
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Chicken Francese
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Stuffed Flounder
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Sliced Sirloin of Beef with Mushroom Gravy
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Hors d’oeuvres, salad, pasta course
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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:
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Bob Meola: 732-674-7504
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Larry Migliorisi: 908-216-1834
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Bill Pivarnick: 848-240-3515
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Angel Vergara: 609-622-9065
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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:
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Date/Time: Monday, November 10, 2025, 17:00 (5 PM) – 21:00 (9 PM)
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Location: Spring Lake Manor, 415 NJ-71, Spring Lake, NJ
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Ceremonies: Traditional cake-cutting, reading of General Lejeune’s and CMC’s message, tribute to General Gray, colors & honors. Music provided by JSOUL
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Tickets/Sponsorship: 80.00 per person; donations/sponsors desired. Venmo @colbeaver
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Attire: military dress/ suit or sport jacket with collared shirt.
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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.
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Pay by Venmo to: @colbeaver
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All payments due by 1 November 2025
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Advise by email the full name of attendees to: 250usmc@gmail.com
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Invitees: USMC and USN Corpsman
250th Marine Corps Birthday Ball
Saturday, November 15, 2025 from 6PM-11PM
Cocktail hour from 6PM-7PM
Cost $75 per person / Open to the Public!
Razberry’s Banquet Center
834 NJ-12, Frenchtown, NJ 08825
Join the Hunterdon County Bulldogs Marine Corps League for our 250th Marine Corps Birthday Formal Ball with cocktail hour, plated dinner, birthday ceremony, dessert, DJ, dancing & open bar. Backdrop available for taking pictures in your formal wear! Please note, this event is open to all, not just Marines!
All tickets are first come, quantities are limited.
Ball ticket deadline: November 8, 2025
Email birthdayball@hcmcl.org with any questions.
Birthday Ball Celebration Program “AD” Book Advertising Details:
Inside Cover $150.00
Back Cover $150.00
Full Page $100.00
1/2 Page $50.00
1/4 Page $25.00
Business Card $20.00
Booster Name $5.00
NOTE: Inside cover, back cover, first and last page are first come first served so reserve your ad ASAP! Please email first to see if they are still available or if you have any questions or need assistance with your ad.
Please send your “Ad” via email to Chris Soldano at: christopher.soldano@hcmcl.org
Adbook deadline: November 1, 2025
1900-2300 dinner and program
Join the MCA’s Sporting Clay Shoot Competition celebrating 250 years of the Marine Corps. The event will be held on November 21st at the Cedar Creek Sporting Clays at 499 Ramah Road in Millville.
Schedule of Events
8:00am Check-In / Breakfast
9:00am Safety Briefing & Instructions
9:30am Shotgun Start
Lunch & Awards following the shoot
Fill out the Participant Form no later than November 7th. The Liability and Waiver Form can be filled out prior to the shoot for expedited check-in.
The Marine Corps Association supports the professional development, education, and recognition of active-duty and reserve Marines. Through programs such as writing awards, battlefield studies, unit libraries, and leadership seminars, we help Marines grow as leaders and warfighters. Proceeds will directly fund these initiatives ensuring today’s Marines are prepared to lead with confidence and skill on today’s complex battlefields. Cedar Creek’s 15-station course offers a fun, welcoming challenge for all skill levels.
A Medal Ceremony for all area veterans, sponsored by American Legion Post 59, Morristown, is on Tuesday, December 2, 2025 at the VFW Post 3401 in Morris Plains (45 Tabor Road) beginning at 11 AM.
See the instructions on how to apply. Applications must be received by November 1, 2025 to take part in this event.
The New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMAVA) is staffed to support veterans and their families. Take some time to explore the breadth of opportunities available through their services and described on their website.
We’re starting this year with our Chaplains Training on January 12th, 2026, at 7:00 pm.
Online registration is now available for the Department of New Jersey 22nd Annual Leadership School to be held on Saturday, 14 March 2026. This year we will be following a new format whereas the course materials are to be downloaded from the Department website prior to attending the class. The materials will be under the Leadership School Tab. It is advisable to bring your laptop/tablet for reference.
The course will be conducted at the NJ National Guard Training Center in Sea Girt, NJ and will begin at 0800 and conclude at approximately 1630.
Our course outlines and curriculum will facilitate a greater understanding and working knowledge for the attendees while covering general and operational aspects of the Marine
Corps League and its members.
It is strongly encouraged and recommended that all newly elected and or appointed officers attend. The deadline for application is Friday, 6 March 2026.
The Cohort will be limited to 40 members. Should an opening become available, accommodations will be made on a first come first served basis.
It is advisable to register early as the class fills up quickly.
The cost is $40.00 and is Non-Refundable upon commitment.
Register Online here: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/dept-of-nj-mcl-leadership-school-application
Or Download the application below and mail in your payment.
Download announcement:
Download application:
Join us for an unforgettable evening of music, food, and camaraderie at the Cpl. William H. Smith Detachment Annual Veterans Dance!
🎟 Limited Seating – Reserve Early!
Enjoy a fantastic night featuring:
✨ A delicious hot buffet dinner
🥗 Fresh salad & rolls
🥤 Soda, coffee & tea
🍰 Assorted desserts
🍸 Cash bar available
🎶 Live music and dancing with DJ Don Pesce
This special evening brings together veterans, families, and friends for great food, great music, and even better company. Don’t miss this opportunity to celebrate and support our veterans in a fun, welcoming atmosphere!
📞 Reserve Your Spot Today!
Contact:
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Bob Meola – 732-674-7504
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Bill Pivarnick – 848-240-0102
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Angel Vegara – 609-622-9065
📥 Download the flier here:
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