Our Mission
Members of the Marine Corps League join together in camaraderie and fellowship for the purpose of preserving the traditions and promoting the interests of the United States Marine Corps, banding together those who are now serving in the United States Marine Corps and those who have been honorably discharged from that service that they may effectively promote the ideals of American freedom and democracy, voluntarily aiding and rendering assistance to all current and former Marines and FMF Corpsmen and to their widows and orphans; and to perpetuate the history of the United States Marine Corps and by fitting acts to observe the anniversaries of historical occasions of particular interest to all Marines, past and present.
Oath of Membership
I, in the presence of Almighty God and the members of the Marine Corps League, here assembled, being fully aware of the symbols, motto, principles and purposes, of the Marine Corps League, do solemnly swear, that I will uphold and defend the Constitution and Laws of the United States of America and of the Marine Corps League. I will never knowingly wrong, deceive, or defraud the League, to the value of anything. I will never. knowingly wrong or injure or permit any member, or any member's family, to be wronged or injured, if to prevent same is within my power. I will never propose for membership. one known to me. To be unqualified or unworthy to become a member of the League, I further promise to govern my conduct in the League's affairs and in my personal life, in a manner becoming a decent and honorable person, and will never knowingly bring discredit to the League. So help me, God.
Our Charter
The Marine Corps League is the only federally chartered United States Marine Corps-related veterans organization in the United States. Its Federal Charter was approved by the 75th U.S. Congress and signed by President Franklin D. Roosevelt on August 4, 1937. The organization credits its founding - in 1923 - to legendary Marine Corps Commandant John A. Lejeune. The group holds a congressional charter under Title 36 of the United States Code
Seventy - Fifth Congress of the United States of America
At the First Session
Begun and held at the City of Washington on Tuesday, the fifth
day of January, one thousand nine hundred and thirty-seven
AN ACT
To Incorporate the Marine Corps League
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,
SEC. 1. That major General John A Lejeune, United States Marine Corps, retired, honorary national commandant; Maurice A Illch, national commandant; Roy S. Taylor, senior national vice commandant; Kenneth B. Collings, junior vice commandant; Alexander F. Ormsby, national judge advocate; Reverend John H. Clifford, national chaplain; Edward A. Walker, national sergeant at arms; John B Hinckley, junior, national adjutant and paymaster; John E. Brock, national chief of staff, are hereby created a body corporate of the name "Marine Corps League."
SEC. 2. That the purposes of this corporation shall be: (a) to preserve the traditions and to promote the interests of the United States Marine Corps; (b) to band those who are now serving in the United States Marine Corps and those who have been honorably discharged from that service together in fellowship that they may effectively promote the ideals of American freedom and democracy; (c) to fit its members for the duties of citizenship and to encourage them to serve as ably as citizens as they have served the Nation under arms; (d) to hold sacred the history and the memory of the men who have given their lives to the Nation; (e) to foster love for the principles which they have supported by blood and valor since the founding of the Republic; (f) to maintain true allegiance to American institutions; (g) to create a bond of comradeship between those in the service and those who have returned to civil life; (h) to aid voluntarily and to render assistance to all Marines and former Marines as well as to their widows and orphans; (i) to perpetuate the history of the United States Marine Corps and by fitting acts to observe the anniversaries of historical occasions of peculiar interest to Marines.
SEC. 3. That the corporation: (a) shall have perpetual succession; (b) may charge and collect membership dues and receive contributions of money or property to be devoted to carrying out the purposes of the organization; (c) may sue or may be sued; (d) may adopt a corporate seal and alter it at pleasure; (e) may adopt and alter by-laws not inconsistent with the Constitution and laws of the United States or of any State; (f) may establish and maintain offices for the conduct of its business; (g) may appoint or elect officers and agents; (h) may choose a board of trustees, consisting of not more than fifteen persons nor less than five persons, to conduct the business and exercise the powers of the corporation; (i) may acquire, by purchase, devise, bequest, gift or otherwise, and hold, encumber, convey, or otherwise dispose of such real and personal property as may be necessary or appropriate for its corporate purposes; and (j) generally may do any and all lawful acts necessary or appropriate to carry out the purposes for which the corporation is created.
SEC. 4. That the corporation shall, on or before the 1st day of December in each year, transmit to Congress a report of its proceedings and activities for the preceding calendar year, including the full and complete statement of its receipts and expenditures. Such report shall not be printed as public documents.
SEC. 5. That the right to alter, amend, or repeal this Act at any time is hereby expressly reserved. Approved, August 4, 1937.
OUR HISTORY
The Marine Corps League perpetuates the traditions and spirit of all Marines and Navy FMF Corpsmen, who proudly wear or who have worn the EAGLE, GLOBE and ANCHOR of the Corps. It takes great pride in crediting its founders in 1923 to World War 1 hero, then Major General Commandant John A Lejeune. It takes equal pride in its Federal Charter, approved by an act of the Seventy-Fifth Congress of the United States of America and signed and approved by President Franklin D. Roosevelt on August 4, 1937. The League is the only Federally Chartered Marine Corps related Veterans Organization in the country. Since its earliest days, the Marine Corps League has enjoyed the support and encouragement of the active duty and the reserve establishments of the U.S. Marine Corps. Today the League boast a membership of more than 76,000 men, women, officer and enlisted, Active duty, Reserve Marines, Honorably Discharged Marine Veterans and qualified Navy FMF Corpsmen and is one of the few Veteran Organizations that experience increases in its membership each year.
The Marine Corps League is headed by an elected National Commandant, with 14 elected National Staff Officers who serve as trustees, coordinates the efforts of 49 Departments, or State entities and the activities of over 1100 community-based Detachments located throughout the United States and overseas, the day to day operations of the league are under the control of the National Executive Director with the responsibility for the management and direction of all programs, activities and affairs of the Marine Corps League as well as supervising the National Headquarters Staff.
The prime authority of the league is derived from its Congressional Charter and from its Annual National Convention held each August in different major cities throughout the nation. It is a Not for Profit Organization within the provisions of the IRS code 501(c)(4), with a special group exemption letter which allows for contributions to the Marine Corps League, its auxiliary and subsidiary units, to be tax deductible by the donor.
Our Programs:
The Marine Corps League supports various programs to promote and honor the spirit and traditions of the Marines:
Marines Helping Marines - Wounded Marines Program
The program was created to support injured Marine Corps personnel located at the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland, Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, DC, Brooke Army hospital in San Antonio, as well as the Naval Hospitals at Balboa, Camp Pendleton and elsewhere. The scope of support encompasses; financial, visits from Marine Corps League members, off site day trips to include family outings, dinners, short trips in support of the individual Marines’ needs and professional sporting events as tickets and opportunities present themselves.
Marine-4-Life/Injured Marine Support Program
The League works very closely with the Marine Corps’ M-4-L program, providing mentors nationwide. In areas of the country where there is no Marine Corps “point of contact”, the League works directly with M-4-L Headquarters to provide services to transitioning Marines
Youth Programs
A. Young Marines: A youth program emphasizing HONESTY, COURAGE, RESPECT, INDUSTRY, LOYALTY, DEPENDABILITY, and a sense of devotion to GOD, COUNTRY, COMMUNITY and FAMILY. The Young Marines program receives funding from Congress and the United States Marine Corps primarily because of their drug interdiction focus on drug education and prevention.
B. U.S. Marines Youth Physical Fitness Program: The League developed and administers a program that provides a physical fitness regimen that promotes a healthy, drug free life style for elementary and high school students.
C. Boy Scouts of America: The Marine Corps League has long regarded the program of the Boy Scouts of America as in support of the Preamble of the Constitution of the League. The League supports the Boy Scouts of America as they promote traditional family values to America’s youth. The Marine Corps League participates in Scouting through assistance with units, districts, and councils, in community projects, merit badge programs, and special recognition of Eagle Scouts.
D. Scholarship program: Children and former Marines are eligible for academic scholarships for attendance at accredited colleges and universities.
Toys for Tots
Marine Corps League Detachments in nearly every community take part annually in the United States Marine Corps Reserve Toys-For-Tots campaign to raise funds and collect and distribute toys to needy children. In communities where there is an existing Marine Corps Reserve Unit, the League works hand in hand supporting their campaign. In other communities, the Marine Corps League takes the lead, ensuring a successful campaign.
Veterans benefits
A. Legislative program: The Marine Corps League is a member of The Military Coalition and participates in National and State Legislative issues that affect military readiness and entitlements of active duty personnel as well as Veterans Benefits programs effecting former active duty and retired Marines.
B. Veterans Service Officer Program: the National Headquarters retains a full-time staff member who assists veterans in adjudicating claims against the government as a result of active duty service. Claims are processed through the Department of Veterans Affairs or other appropriate agencies of the federal government.
C. Veterans Affairs Volunteer Service Program: Marine Corps League members contribute thousands of man-hours each year supplementing staffs at VA Hospitals and facilities in providing morale, comfort and assistance to institutionalized veterans..
Military Order of the Devil Dogs
The Fun and honor society of the Marine Corps League.
The Marine Corps League supports various programs to promote and honor the spirit and traditions of the Marines:
Marines Helping Marines - Wounded Marines Program
The program was created to support injured Marine Corps personnel located at the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland, Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, DC, Brooke Army hospital in San Antonio, as well as the Naval Hospitals at Balboa, Camp Pendleton and elsewhere. The scope of support encompasses; financial, visits from Marine Corps League members, off site day trips to include family outings, dinners, short trips in support of the individual Marines’ needs and professional sporting events as tickets and opportunities present themselves.
Marine-4-Life/Injured Marine Support Program
The League works very closely with the Marine Corps’ M-4-L program, providing mentors nationwide. In areas of the country where there is no Marine Corps “point of contact”, the League works directly with M-4-L Headquarters to provide services to transitioning Marines
Youth Programs
A. Young Marines: A youth program emphasizing HONESTY, COURAGE, RESPECT, INDUSTRY, LOYALTY, DEPENDABILITY, and a sense of devotion to GOD, COUNTRY, COMMUNITY and FAMILY. The Young Marines program receives funding from Congress and the United States Marine Corps primarily because of their drug interdiction focus on drug education and prevention.
B. U.S. Marines Youth Physical Fitness Program: The League developed and administers a program that provides a physical fitness regimen that promotes a healthy, drug free life style for elementary and high school students.
C. Boy Scouts of America: The Marine Corps League has long regarded the program of the Boy Scouts of America as in support of the Preamble of the Constitution of the League. The League supports the Boy Scouts of America as they promote traditional family values to America’s youth. The Marine Corps League participates in Scouting through assistance with units, districts, and councils, in community projects, merit badge programs, and special recognition of Eagle Scouts.
D. Scholarship program: Children and former Marines are eligible for academic scholarships for attendance at accredited colleges and universities.
Toys for Tots
Marine Corps League Detachments in nearly every community take part annually in the United States Marine Corps Reserve Toys-For-Tots campaign to raise funds and collect and distribute toys to needy children. In communities where there is an existing Marine Corps Reserve Unit, the League works hand in hand supporting their campaign. In other communities, the Marine Corps League takes the lead, ensuring a successful campaign.
Veterans benefits
A. Legislative program: The Marine Corps League is a member of The Military Coalition and participates in National and State Legislative issues that affect military readiness and entitlements of active duty personnel as well as Veterans Benefits programs effecting former active duty and retired Marines.
B. Veterans Service Officer Program: the National Headquarters retains a full-time staff member who assists veterans in adjudicating claims against the government as a result of active duty service. Claims are processed through the Department of Veterans Affairs or other appropriate agencies of the federal government.
C. Veterans Affairs Volunteer Service Program: Marine Corps League members contribute thousands of man-hours each year supplementing staffs at VA Hospitals and facilities in providing morale, comfort and assistance to institutionalized veterans..
Military Order of the Devil Dogs
The Fun and honor society of the Marine Corps League.
Disclaimer:
“The Eagle, Globe and Anchor emblem and the name Marine Corps® are registered trademarks of the USMC. The Marine Corps League and its subordinate organizations support the USMC and its veterans, however it is not officially connected to or endorsed by the USMC, and the name and emblem are used with permission.”
“The Eagle, Globe and Anchor emblem and the name Marine Corps® are registered trademarks of the USMC. The Marine Corps League and its subordinate organizations support the USMC and its veterans, however it is not officially connected to or endorsed by the USMC, and the name and emblem are used with permission.”