JULY 21, 2025 – U.S. Marines hosted Marine Week Chicago from June 9 to 14, 2025, in commemoration of the Corps’ 250 years of service.
For one week, Marines from across the country came together in the Windy City to immerse themselves in its community through volunteering, outreach and service. Assigned to Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force (SPMAGTF) 250, the Marines participated in a wide range of activities to include visiting the local Boys & Girls Club and hosting morning physical training sessions with locals, including members of the Chicago Police Department.
“Marine Week Chicago allows the American people to get connected with the Marines by showing them that Marines are already in their communities,” said Capt. Ramarro Lamar, executive officer of Marine Corps Recruiting Station Chicago. “It also allows us to bring out tangible assets that they can experience for themselves and witness that the Marine Corps is a force in readiness—always has been, always will be.”
One of the most meaningful moments of the week came through a partnership with Make-A-Wish Illinois to fulfill the dream of young Chicagoan Jamaria Peters, whose wish was to meet and interact with Marines. That wish came true during a special ceremony at the city’s iconic Willis Tower, where SPMAGTF-250 Marines welcomed Jamaria alongside performances by the Marine Corps Silent Drill Platoon, the Quantico Marine Band, and appearances by Marine Corps Drill Instructors.
“This is all he has ever wanted,” said Nora Peters, Jamaria’s mom. “I just cannot say how it is to have my baby so happy. This is way better than any Disney thing. This makes me happy.”
The Silent Drill Platoon, Color Guard, and Quantico Marine Corps Band performed across the city throughout the week. From a National Lacrosse League game to a Rockin’ For Our Vets concert featuring the Lt. Dan Band, the units appeared at various venues across the Windy City to commemorate Marine Week Chicago.
“What makes Marine Week successful is when we come out and meet Americans. When we’re able to interact with the public, it’s not ‘our’ Marines—it’s ‘your’ Marines, Chicago—and we’re able to interact and tell you our story so you can connect with the Marine Corps.” Col. J.J. Wilson, commanding officer of SPMAGTF-250
Marines were welcomed to Chicago during its Marine Week as if it were their home—and for some, it truly was. While many assigned to SPMAGTF 250 had traveled from across the country to support the event, for others it marked a full-circle return to where their journey began.
“It feels amazing to be back in my hometown,” said Maj. Daphne Kelly, a native of Chicago and pilot with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron (HMLA) 773, 4th Marine Aircraft Wing, assigned to SPMAGTF-250. “To be able to fly over my family’s home or flyover my old high school, or see a lot of friends back in the community. It’s a surreal experience and so rewarding, I could not be happier to be back.”
Kelly flew Chicago civic leaders over the city’s iconic skyline in an UH-1Y Venom helicopter as part of a special Marine Week experience. Aboard one of her flights was the city’s 2nd Ward Alderman, Brian Hopkins, who shared his thoughts on the flight and the city’s experience with the Marines during the event’s closing ceremony.
“What a whirlwind tour it’s been, all the ceremonies, all the events, the static displays, the music, the entertainment, the band.” said Alderman Hopkins. “Our city has embraced the Marine Corps in a way it never has before.”
In just a week, SPMAGTF-250 Marines blew through the Windy City, leaving a powerful impression on everyone they met, while also feeling the lasting impact of the city and its people. During the closing ceremony of Marine Week Chicago at Navy Pier, Col. Wilson echoed the sentiments of the SPMAGTF-250 Marines, reflecting on the profound connections and experiences shared throughout their time in the city.
“Thank you to each and every one of you that we’ve interacted with throughout the week,” said Wilson. “Those engagements, those one-to-one interactions are unforgettable. They’ve made us feel loved by the country we serve, and we’re deeply indebted to this great city of Chicago. This week hasn’t just been a celebration of our past 250 years, it was a living breathing reminder of why we serve.”
Next up for the Marines of SPMAGTF 250 is a stop in the heart of New England for Marine Week Boston. From August 20th to 25th, Marines will be in “The City on a Hill,” showcasing the pride and tradition that define the Marine Corps within the city’s vibrant community. For the latest updates on Marine activities in Boston, as well as dates and locations for the rest of this year’s Marine Weeks, follow the Marine Corps’ official social platforms or visit the Marine Corps 250 website at marines.mil/Marines250.
U.S. Marine Corps story by Sgt. Tawanya Norwood
Headquarters Marine Corps