NOVEMBER 14, 2025 – In a ceremony rich with tradition and gratitude, the Morris County Board of County Commissioners celebrated the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Marine Corps at their annual Veterans Day Observance Ceremony at the County’s Government Office on Nov. 5.
Commissioner John Krickus, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, commemorated the Marine Corps’ 250th anniversary by presenting a Morris County Resolution of Honor to Sgt. Joseph Tortola and Staff Sgt. Rafael E. Vallejos of the 2nd Battalion, 25th Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division, Marine Forces Reserve stationed at Picatinny Arsenal.
“The Marine Corps fearsome reputation was paid for at a high price — by the lives and limbs of Marines over these 250 years, from the battle of Princeton to the Kabul Airport. For us Marine veterans and for those who still serve, our most important tradition is to never forget their sacrifice and to honor it by always conducting ourselves in a manner as to never bring disrepute to the Corps. Once a Marine, always Marine,” said Krickus.
On Nov. 10, the U.S. Marine Corps marked its 250th birthday, tracing its origins to the Continental Congress’s resolution on Nov. 10, 1775, where two battalions of Continental Marines were established at Tun Tavern in Philadelphia, Pa.
2/25 is a U.S. Marine Corps Reserve infantry battalion headquartered in Brooklyn, New York. It has units located throughout the Mid-Atlantic States and consists of approximately 1,000 Marines and sailors under the command of the 25th Marine Regiment and the 4th Marine Division.
Golf Company, located at Picatinny Arsenal, is one of the Battalion’s Reserve units. It also consists of a small active-duty staff that facilitates the combat readiness of the reserve Marine unit. The Marines also assist in carrying out funeral honors, ensuring all Marine Corps Veterans who have served obtain the appropriate honors as a final salute to their life and the final demonstration of the country’s gratitude to those who, in times of war and peace, have faithfully defended our nation.
Picatinny Arsenal is one of the top three employers in Morris County, New Jersey, according to the Morris County Office of Planning and Preservation, and supports the Army priorities of People, Readiness and Modernization. The installation’s capabilities are unique and vital to the Nation, as the workforce leads the advancement of armament technologies and engineering innovation for the U.S. military.
If you are interested in learning more about enlisting in the Marine Corps, visit https://www.marines.com or send a text to MARINE (627463) to chat 9a-8:30p EST / 7 days a week.
By Eric Kowal