The Tun Legacy Foundation Invites the Public to Celebrate the Marine Corps 251st Birthday in Philadelphia on November 10

 United States Marine Corps Sergeant Major Carlos A. Ruiz, 100-year-old WWII Marine Stephen Anderson, Navy Cross Recipient Aubrey McDade, and the Marine Forces Reserve Band are Scheduled to Appear at the Free Event

In honor of the 251^st birthday of the United States Marine Corps, The Tun Legacy Foundation and its sponsors are hosting the Birthday Block Party at The Future Site of The Tun from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Tuesday, November 10, 2026. The Birthday Block Party, which is free and open to the public, will take place at the intersection of 2^nd Street and Chestnut Street, in Philadelphia’s Historic District, just a few blocks from the original site of the historic Tun mariners tavern, the birthplace of the Marines. Among the special guests scheduled to appear are Sergeant Major Carlos A. Ruiz, the Sergeant Major of the Marines Corps; 100-year-old WWII Marine Stephen Anderson; Navy Cross Recipient Gunnery Sergeant Aubrey Leon McDade Jr., USMC (Ret.); and The Marine Forces Reserve Band, New Orleans.

This is the third year the nonprofit organization The Tun Legacy Foundation is presenting the Birthday Block Party, raising awareness of its efforts to rebuild the historic Tun, which stood in Philadelphia for nearly a century (1686-1781). The Tun is the location where two Battalions of Continental Marines were raised in 1775, and is also considered the Birthplace of Pennsylvania Freemasonry, where the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania was formed in 1731. The historic tavern is the founding or early meeting place of the St. Andrew’s Society, Society of St. George, and The Friendly Sons and Daughters of St. Patrick. It is also purportedly the place where John Adams and the Naval Committee met and drafted the documents that outline the structure for what became the United States Navy.

“In honor of the nation’s Semiquincentennial and the Marine Corps’ 251^st birthday, we will be sharing the history of The Tun through special guests, ceremonies, heritage displays, historical reenactors, and entertainment,” said Pat Dailey, a Marine and the founder of The Tun Legacy Foundation. “Last year’s event brought together attendees from nearly every state. For many, it was a reunion with fellow veterans. For neighbors and the surrounding community, it was also an opportunity to learn about the importance of The Tun in America’s and Philadelphia’s history. We look forward to welcoming everyone on November 10.”

Schedule of Ceremonies and Performances

“Among the event highlights will be the official Birthday Cake-Cutting Ceremony at noon with the youngest and oldest Marine in attendance and with participation from the 3^rd Battalion, 14^th Marine Regiment (3/14) based in Bristol, Pennsylvania,” said Chris Reese, USMC (Ret.), president of Revolve Solutions and a board member and the Events Committee chair for The Tun Legacy Foundation. “Sergeant Major Ruiz will speak at 2 p.m., followed by the Poolees Ceremony, when dozens of future Marines with U.S. Marine Corps Recruiting Station Harrisburg will take the Oath of Enlistment.”

The Marine Forces Reserve Band will perform at 2:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. Additional entertainment from bands Hancock & Espo, Superunknown, Philly Fife and Drum Company, Quaker City String Band, and Philadelphia and District Pipe Band, and visits from Philadelphia sports mascots, will take place throughout the day. Philadelphia Phillies Broadcaster Gregg Murphy will serve as emcee.

The Birthday Block Party at the Future Site of The Tun is supported by lead sponsor Leidos, platinum sponsor USAA, SERVPRO – Team Fabiani, Fox Rothschild, HP Inc., Pennridge Airport, RavenTek Solution Partners, TSG Federal, and a grant from the City of Philadelphia’s 2026 Neighborhood Celebration Grants Fund, a program introduced to support community-led celebrations honoring Philadelphia’s 250th anniversary.

“There will be many opportunities for attendees to contribute to The Tun rebuild throughout the event,” Reese said, “including by joining The Tun 1775 Club, purchasing a brick paver to line Tun Alley when The Tun opens, or simply attending to show support.”

Refreshments will be available for purchase from food trucks and a beer garden, and there will be an official merchandise tent.

For more information, visit TheTun.org.

Photo courtesy of marines.mil

Sergeant Major Carlos A. Ruiz assumed his current post as the 20^th Sergeant Major of the United States Marine Corps on August 10, 2023. A native of Sonora, Mexico, he enlisted in the Marine Corps on November 2, 1993, out of Buckeye, Arizona. Sergeant Major Ruiz’s personal awards include the Legion of Merit with gold star, Bronze Star Medal with combat distinguishing service, Meritorious Service Medal with gold star, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with one gold star, and the Combat Action Ribbon with one gold star. Read his full bio here.

Photo courtesy of Stephen A. Anderson

WWII Marine Stephen Anderson enlisted in the Marine Corps in September 1943. Following his completion of recruit training at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot in Parris Island, S.C., he was assigned to “Easy” Company, 2^nd Battalion, 6^th Marine Regiment (2/6), 2^nd Marine Division. As an infantryman in the Pacific Theater, he participated in three of the hardest-fought amphibious campaigns of the Pacific War – Saipan, Tinian ad Okinawa. He resides in Cinnaminson, N.J.

Photo Courtesy of Gunnery Sergeant Aubrey Leon McDade Jr., USMC

Gunnery Sergeant Aubrey Leon McDade Jr., USMC (Ret.) is a medically retired United States Marine, Navy Cross recipient, author, speaker, transformational leader, and founder of REAL DEAL – Relentless Effort Aligning LIFE (a leadership and personal development organization), whose life embodies resilience, leadership, service, and transformation. Read his full bio here.

Photo Courtesy of Samuel Qin

The Marine Forces Reserve Band, comprised of active duty Marines, is stationed in New Orleans and travels throughout the United States, performing for millions of people at more than 300 events annually. The Marine Forces Reserve Band’s Popular Music Group and Jazz Combo play country, jazz, Latin, funk, and other popular styles of music. Since November 10, 1775, Marine Bands have supported communities and demonstrated the highest qualities of musical excellence and patriotism.

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