Members of the media seeking to attend are asked to please fill out a Google form to receive credentials. Thank you!

MARBLEHEAD — The Town of Marblehead is extraordinarily pleased to announce that a week of commemorative events honoring the 250th birthday of the U.S. Marine Corps will kick off in Marblehead on Thursday, Aug. 21. 

Marine Week Boston, celebrated from Aug. 20-25 across Greater Boston, will honor the storied legacy of the Corps with events that elevate the history and traditions established by early Marines in the heart of the Revolutionary War. 

When:

Thursday, Aug. 21, at 4:30 p.m.

Where:

Fort Sewall, 8 Fort Sewall Lane, Marblehead

What: 

The ceremony will include performances and remarks from esteemed military organizations and dignitaries, and a Marine Corps flyover, bringing to life the talent and commitment of past and present Marine Corps members. 

The event will feature a multi-tier media riser to ensure that members of the media, including broadcast, photo, print/online and social media/new media have a high-quality vantage point. JGPR is managing credentials for the media area, and outlets must RSVP via the Google form to receive a credential.

Schedule of Events:

• 4:15 p.m. — Quantico Marine Band begins playing music. 
• 4:30 p.m. — Ceremony begins. The order of events for the ceremony is as follows;
  • Narration and Invocation;
  • March on of the Colors;
  • National Anthem and a Marine Corps Flyover, featuring a formation of F/A-18E/F Super Hornets;
  • Remarks from Col. J.J. Wilson, commanding officer of Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force-250;
  • Remarks and proclamation from Moses Grader, Marblehead Select Board Member;
  • An address from State Rep. Jennifer Armini;
  • Remarks from Rep. Seth Moulton;
  • Presentation of a birthday cake celebrating the birthday of the U.S. Marine Corps, featuring a slow Marine’s hymn;
  • Fife and drums with musket salute from the Glover’s Regiment;
  • A drill exhibition from the legendary Marine Corps Silent Drill Platoon, a unique 24-person rifle platoon that performs without verbal commands or cadence. (about 11 minutes long)
• 5:15 p.m. — Final remarks. After remarks, the brass band will begin to play music as the crowd is welcomed to take photos with member of the Marine Corps.

Following the ceremony, the Quantico Marine Band will be holding a free performance at the Landing Restaurant, 81 Front St., Marblehead, beginning at 6:30 p.m.

Members of the media should arrive no later than 3 p.m. Once on site, please visit the JGPR tent, which will be set up behind the fort on the left side, to receive credentials. There will be a designated area for the media, which will require credentialing to enter. 

Media Parking

A limited number of parking spots will be marked off for members of the news media along Front Street.

These spots will be available on a first-come, first-serve basis, but it is requested that these spots are limited to those using broadcast/live trucks. To receive a parking spot, please contact Payton Hebert, payton@jgpr.net. 

Transportation and Road Closures

Due to limited parking, walking or using public transportation is highly encouraged. MBTA Bus Routes 441/442 stop at Franklin Street, which is a short walk from Fort Sewall. The Bus will run for the duration of the event.

The public parking lot at Fort Beach (Fort Sewall Lane) will be closed to the public from 12-6 p.m.  Front Street will be closed at Franklin Street from 3-6 p.m. Front Street and Fort Sewall Lane residents will have access to/from their properties as long as public safety allows. 

General Spectator Guidelines

For the safety and enjoyment of all, visitors are asked to abide by these important health and safety guidelines:

1. Congregate in designated viewing areas at all times during events. Pay attention to any instructions given by public safety personnel. Do not enter performance or stage areas or in any way interfere with events in progress. 
2. These events are family-friendly, inclusive and open to all. Be mindful that children will be present and refrain from using foul language. Please respect private property. Fort Sewall is located near private homes and businesses. 
3. Dispose of trash and recycling properly in the receptacles provided at event sites.
4. Spectators are asked not to bring weapons, flammable liquids, or fireworks. No tents or umbrellas will be allowed on the site to provide an equal viewing experience for all. Visitors are also strongly discouraged from bringing coolers, wagons, or large storage devices to create space for more spectators. 
5. Do not leave bags or other items unattended. Items left unattended are subject to removal by police.
6. Drone/UAV flying is prohibited at all events. Temporary Flight Restrictions will be in place. Obey all posted flight restrictions.
7. Please note that there is a restroom on site, but that the restroom will not be open to the public throughout the ceremony. 

There will be a significant police and public safety presence at all events. Guidelines are subject to change at any time. Safety updates will be shared on Marblehead Town and Police websites and social media.