Marines and friends of Marines are invited to attend a patriotic, colorful and emotional celebration of the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Marine Corps 4-4:30 p.m. Nov. 10 at the Marine Corps Monument, Cedar Beach Park, 24th and Hamilton streets, Allentown.

This usually draws 50 to 75 Marines and friends of Marines and typically has veterans from every war since World War II in attendance.

Expect to see modern, active-duty Marines in their full Dress Blue uniforms and other retired or former Marines wearing their Marine Corps League uniforms or T-shirts, caps and colors proudly announcing their affiliation with the Nation’s “First To Fight” elite service.

The Bethlehem and Lehigh Valley Marine Corps League detachments and the local inspector-instructor staff of India Battery in Allentown will be participating in the annual ceremony along with other Marines, Fleet Marine Force Sailors in the community.

The program lasts approximately 30 minutes and includes a ceremony, color guard, bugle rendition of the Marine Corps Hymn, a soloist singing the national anthem and more.

A cake cutting ceremony honoring the oldest and youngest Marines will be held afterward.