“The League is an organization of U.S. Marines. It is composed of Marines and former Marines with honorable service. It aims to perpetuate the traditions and spirit of the U.S. Marine Corps through the continuous association of Marines who served under the Globe and Anchor at any time, in war or peace.

“There are League detachments all across the country. Regular meetings are conducted under a unified ritual, with the Marine Corps spirit and atmosphere predominating.

“The only membership qualification is honorable service, in access of 90 days in the Marines. This means that, regardless of rank held, regardless of when or where a Marine served, regardless of what division or wing he may or may not have served with, that Marine male, or female is welcome in the Marine Corps League.

“A common trait of League members is the spirit of Semper Fidelis, the spirit of being “always faithful” to the Country, The Corps, and to their fellow marines, in service and out. So deep is this ingrained in members that, long after most have hung up the uniform for the last time, they still dare to call each other “Marine.” Each seems to hold the League slogan as a personal truth, that of “Once a Marine-Always a Marine.”

“Being a Marine is what it’s all about. John A. Lejeune, who founded the Marine Corps League in 1923, put this first above all else. Although he was the Major General Commandant of the Corps, a decorated hero of the First World War, and the former Commanding General of the victorious Second Army Division, he said his first claim to fame was, “I am a Marine!” All of his other attainments came farther down the list. There was nothing more important to him.

“The U.S. Congress felt that the purposes of the Marine Corps League were so valid that in 1937 it granted the League a federal charter.

“The Marine Corps Leagues stands at the forefront, to serving in our hospitals, helping our communities, working with our youth, and assisting our Marines and veterans. Its members realize some of the greatest rewards of life, those of friendship and the sense of individual and group fulfillment.”

Join the Marine Corps League today – make a difference!

Taken from the Marine Corps League National Headquarters, “The Marine Corps League – What’s That?”