The U.S. Embassy in Sri Lanka marked the 250th anniversary of the United States Marine Corps with a celebration at the annual Marine Corps Ball on November 15 in Colombo. Ambassador Julie Chung hosted the event, which was attended by senior Sri Lankan defense officials, including Deputy Minister of Defense Major General Aruna Jayasekara (retired), Secretary to the Ministry of Defense Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (retired), other military dignitaries, members of the diplomatic corps, and various partners from across Sri Lanka.
This year's ball also comes ahead of the upcoming 250th anniversary of American independence in 2026. The occasion served as a reminder of the enduring role that generations of Marines have played in upholding American freedoms.
Chief Warrant Officer Five Damon M. Hines, one of the highest-ranking warrant officers in the Marine Corps, was featured as guest speaker for the evening. His son, Staff Sergeant Chris Hines—currently serving as a Marine Security Guard at the embassy—was also present, highlighting three generations committed to Marine values. CWO5 Hines presided over a reenlistment ceremony for two Marines from the embassy detachment during the event.
Ambassador Julie J. Chung addressed attendees with remarks on the significance of this milestone: “As we celebrate 250 years of the United States Marine Corps, we honor a legacy built on Honor, Courage, and Commitment. These values have carried Marines through every challenge—on the shores of Tripoli, across the Pacific, and today at diplomatic posts around the world. Our Marine Security Guards in Colombo live these values every day, and as America approaches its own 250th birthday, we are reminded that the freedoms we cherish endure because Marines stand always faithful. Semper Fidelis — Always Faithful.”
The embassy's commemoration included reference to President Trump’s proclamation marking this historic anniversary: “The Marine Corps was born in the fires of revolution when the Second Continental Congress established the Continental Marines by resolution on November 10, 1775. From the first combat action at Nassau in 1776, Marines have proven to be ruthless in battle, and lethal guardians of liberty and justice. From that moment onward, the Marines have helped shape the destiny of our Nation, fighting beside Andrew Jackson at the Battle of New Orleans, standing firm in the trenches of World War I at Belleau Wood, where they earned the nickname ‘Devil Dogs,’ and seizing victory after victory across the Pacific at Guadalcanal, Iwo Jima, and Okinawa. They confronted communism in Korea and Vietnam, upheld the right to self-government in the Persian Gulf, and brought justice to our enemies in the deserts and mountains of the Global War on Terror. Marines protect our embassies abroad, and ensure our Federal law enforcement can do their jobs here at home. Wherever liberty has been threatened, the Marine Corps has answered with strength, courage, and unyielding honor.”