JEFFERSON CITY — The United States Marine Corps celebrated its 250th birthday Monday afternoon at the Missouri Capitol Rotunda. Hundreds of Marines were in attendance alongside their families and friends.

They held a celebratory cake-cutting with the first piece going to the oldest Marine in attendance, who was 96 years old. The youngest Marine there was 19, who got the second piece.

The Marines got to see one another, tell stories, share laughs and memories with each other.

"It's a family tradition," retired Staff Sgt. Chris Murphy said. "It's a chance to spend time with friends, with family ... just celebrate a brotherhood and have a good time."

Multiple speakers talked about what it means to be a Marine, along with some of their fallen troops in recent years. Gov. Mike Kehoe was sup

See Full Page