History of the Young Marines

2007:

  • One of the very first Young Marines, Mr. Robert LaChance, from the original Waterbury unit donates his personal memorabilia to the Young Marines national organization.
2006:
  • The Young Marines Veterans Appreciation Week campaign achieves an all-time high by reaching out to over 30,000 veterans during the weeklong tribute.
  • Young Marines attend the dedication ceremonies of the National Museum of the Marine Corps
2005:
  • The Young Marines celebrates their 40th anniversary of receiving their official charter.
2004:
  • Eleven Young Marines travel to the island of Iwo Jima, Japan, along with veterans of the World War II battle for that island, to commemorate the famous flag raising by the Marines at Mount Siribachi. Young Marine members have returned to Iwo Jima on an annual basis every year since.
2003:
  • The Young Marines officially introduce their new celebrity spokesperson, R. Lee Ermey.
2002:
  • Young Marines join with Army Cadets from Canada, United Kingdom, Germany, Denmark, and Sweden in its first cultural foreign exchange program.
  • The Young Marines welcome a very special new member to its ranks, Chester, our puppy bulldog mascot.
  • An affiliation formed between the Young Marines and the Australian Young Marines.
  • The Young Marines officially adopt a new motto: "Strengthening the lives of America's youth".
2001:
  • Young Marine units are formed at U.S. bases in Germany for military dependents.
  • Young Marines introduce the first annual: Young Marines Veterans Appreciation Week. This continues to be an annual one-week tribute each November.
  • Summer Program of Adventures, Challenges, Encampments, and Schools (SPACES) is introduced with over 3,300 Young Marines participating.
2000:
  • Young Marines program expands to over 200 units in 38 States with over 11,000 Young Marines and nearly 2,000 adult volunteers.
  • Young Marines participate in Youth Restoration Corps project along the Russian River in Alaska restoring salmon habitat.
1999:
  • Young Marines Board of Directors hire retired Marine Lieutenant Colonel Michael Kessler as the first National Executive Director.
  • First Young Marine Unit is formed in Alaska.
1997:
  • Lt Alexander Bonnyman Young Marines unit founded in Knoxville, TN.

1995:
  • Young Marines become international with units forming in Okinawa, Japan.
1993:
  • Young Marines grow to 1,000 Young Marines and 300 adults in 45 units.
  • The Young Marines becomes the focal point for the U.S. Marine Corps’ Youth Drug Demand Reduction Program.
1980:
  • Young Marines granted not-for-profit status as a youth educational organization by the Internal Revenue Service with a classification of 501(c) 3.
1978:
  • National By-laws approved at the Marine Corps League.
1977:
  • Young Marines governing body is elected and the Young Marines National By-laws are adopted.
1975:
  • Membership is extended to females.
1974:
  • Chartered as a subsidiary organization of the Marine Corps League.
1965:
  • Officially chartered on October 17, 1965 by the Marine Corps League and becomes a national youth program. October 17, 1965 is the official birthday of the Young Marines