Join us to honor the founding of the United States Marine Corps and remember Lieutenant William Sharp Bush
On November 10, 1775, the Second Continental Congress resolved to raise two battalions of Marines. We celebrate this occasion and also pay tribute to Lieutenant Bush, the first Marine to lose his life in combat while serving aboard USS Constitution in 1812.
DATE
November 13, 2024
TIME
8:00 AM
LOCATION
Morning Colors in front of “Old Ironsides” On PIER 1, followed by breakfast at the USS Constitution Museum
TICKETS
This event is sold out and tickets are no longer available.
GUEST SPEAKER
Colonel John B. Atkinson, USMC (RET.)
Colonel John Atkinson, USMC (Ret.), is an Associate Professor at the College of Maritime Operational Warfare, U.S. Naval War College. With 28 years of honorable service, he held various command roles, including Commander, Assault Amphibian School Battalion and Commanding Officer, HQ Battalion, Marine Corps Base Quantico. His deployments include those in support of NATO operations, humanitarian missions, and two combat tours in Iraq, one as a foreign combat advisor. He is also a subject matter expert in Future Concept Development for the Marine Corps. Colonel Atkinson holds degrees from Boston College, U.S. Marine Corps University, and U.S. Naval War College.
About the U.S. Marine Corps Birthday Breakfast
This event celebrates the U.S. Marine Corps Birthday on November 13th and honors the memory of LT William S. Bush, the first U.S. Marine Corps officer to die in the War of 1812. During USS Constitution’s battle with HMS Guerriere the ships exchanged cannon fire until they collided and their rigging became entangled. LT Bush raced to lead his men on board Guerriere, but as he turned to ask Captain Isaac Hull, “Shall I board her?,” he was shot down by the British. Two centuries later, Constitution and the U.S. Marine Corps continue their honorable service to our country. The USS Constitution Museum serves as the memory and educational voice of ‘Old Ironsides’ and ensures that her stories, including those of the U.S. Marine Corps and LT Bush, are preserved and shared with future generations.
Supported by the Colonel Drew Ley Fund
This event is supported by the Colonel Drew Ley Fund. The Fund is dedicated to the memory of Life Trustee Colonel Andrew “Drew” J. Ley, USMCR (Ret.). To honor Drew, the Fund supports continued Marine Corps activities at the Museum.
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS
Presenting Sponsors
James Herrington
Paul and Jessica Mutch
Carol Searle in memory of Colonel Drew Ley
Leading Sponsor
G. West Saltonstall
Major of Marines
Morgan Ley
Captain of Marines
RADM Tom Lynch, USN (Ret.)
MD Lifts, LLC – Mechanical Parking Solutions
Lieutenant of Marines
John T. Allen
Descendants of the Bush Family
Howe Family
Paul and Patricia Leary
Christopher T. Norris
Sergeant of Marines
Betsy S. Hoffman
