CENTRAL, S.C. —

Families, friends, veterans and a brand-new batch of recruits gathered at Semper Fi Barn on Saturday to reflect on 250 years of rich Marine Corps history.

Dozens of veterans from all military branches attended the ceremony, which included a tribute to POW/MIA soldiers, the traditional Marine birthday cake-cutting, and the swearing-in of 27 new recruits.

Attendees were also encouraged to take part in helping Semper Fi Barn hang hundreds of dog tags belonging to the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in the Battle of Iwo Jima during WWII.

"Not only is [the dog tag] a symbol of that individual service," said Sgt. Robert McClaflian, "it's also a symbol to the fact that it's never going to go away. It's made of metal; it's not something that's gonna ever deteriora

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