November 02, 2026
USS Constitution Museum to Honor 251 Years of Marine Corps Service at Annual Birthday Breakfast
November 10 ceremony honors the legacy of LT William Sharp Bush, the first U.S. Marine Corps officer killed in combat, with featured speaker USMC Colonel (Ret.) John “Buss” Barranco
CHARLESTOWN, MA (November 2, 2026) – The USS Constitution Museum will commemorate the 251st birthday of the United States Marine Corps on Tuesday, November 10, with its annual U.S. Marine Corps Birthday Breakfast, honoring a legacy of courage, sacrifice, and service that connects the Marines of 1812 with those serving our nation today.
The morning will begin at 8:00 a.m. with Morning Colors beside USS Constitution at Pier 1 in the Charlestown Navy Yard, followed by breakfast and a commemorative program at the Museum featuring USMC Colonel (Ret.) John “Buss” Barranco, a decorated combat veteran, Marine aviator, and senior defense leader.
At the heart of this longstanding Museum tradition is a tribute to Lieutenant William Sharp Bush, the first U.S. Marine Corps officer killed in combat. On August 19, 1812, during USS Constitution‘s historic victory over HMS Guerriere, Bush prepared to lead his Marines aboard the British warship. As he turned to Captain Isaac Hull and asked permission to board, he was struck and killed by enemy fire.
The battle earned USS Constitution its enduring nickname, “Old Ironsides,” and established its place in American naval history. Bush’s sacrifice remains an enduring example of the Marine Corps’ commitment to duty, courage, and service.
“The history of the Marine Corps and USS Constitution is forever connected through the courage and sacrifice of Lieutenant William Sharp Bush,” said Jeff Draeger, President and CEO of the USS Constitution Museum. “As we honor his legacy and 251 years of Marine Corps service, we are especially pleased to welcome Colonel Barranco, whose extraordinary career in combat, command, and national defense brings a contemporary perspective on the enduring values of courage, leadership, and service.”
A Legacy of Service, Past and Present
This year’s featured speaker, Col. Barranco, brings more than three decades of Marine Corps experience, including six combat tours, aviation and operational command, and senior leadership assignments at U.S. Southern Command and Headquarters Marine Corps.
Today, he serves as Head of Defense Policy at Joby Aviation, Nonresident Senior Fellow at the Atlantic Council, and Adjunct Professor at the U.S. Naval War College. His perspective connects the traditions of Marine Corps leadership with the evolving demands of national defense and service.
The Museum’s annual commemoration honors not only the Marines who served aboard USS Constitution but also the generations who have carried forward their legacy.
As the educational voice and memory of “Old Ironsides,” the USS Constitution Museum preserves and shares stories of service, sacrifice, and leadership, connecting the nation’s maritime heritage to the responsibilities and challenges of the present.
Event Details
U.S. Marine Corps Birthday Breakfast
Tuesday, November 10, 2026, 8:00 a.m.
Morning Colors: Pier 1, Charlestown Navy Yard, beside USS Constitution
Breakfast and Program: USS Constitution Museum, Charlestown Navy Yard, Boston
Featured Speaker: USMC Colonel (Ret.) John “Buss” Barranco
The event is supported by the Colonel Drew Ley Fund, established in memory of Museum Life Trustee Colonel Andrew “Drew” J. Ley, USMCR (Ret.), to support continued Marine Corps activities at the Museum.
For additional information, visit https://ussconstitutionmuseum.org/events/usmc-2026/
