The 39th Commandant of the Marine Corps, Gen. Eric M. Smith, and the 20th Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps, Sgt. Maj. Carlos A. Ruiz, officially kickoff the year-long 250th birthday of the Marine Corps celebration, Dec 11. For 250 years, the United States Marine Corps has served honorably in every clime and place. Founded on November 10, 1775, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the Marines have fought from the shores of Tripoli to the valleys of Afghanistan – always the most-ready when the nation was least ready. Coming from all walks of life, Marines stay true to the uncompromising standards found in their core values of honor, courage, and commitment.