Citizenship
Citizenship is more than wearing the uniform; it’s about making a difference. In the Young Marines, you’ll give back, honor those who served, and stand as an example in your community.
Young Marines show deep devotion to veterans of all eras and branches of service. These intergenerational activities strengthen bonds and benefit both youth and veterans alike.
Community Service
Young Marines take part in a wide range of service-oriented activities, including:
- Color guard presentations at national, regional, community, and athletic events
- Flag retirement ceremonies in local communities
- Environmental service projects like cleaning beaches, parks, rivers, and roads
- Building ramps for service members in need through Ramps for Warriors
- Collecting and sending care packages to troops serving overseas
- Visiting veterans’ homes and listening to stories from our nation’s veterans
Participation in Your Community
Units are encouraged to engage in visible, civic-minded outreach such as:
- Marching in local parades to represent the program and reinforce citizenship
- Sharing creative community engagement ideas to promote the Young Marines and living a healthy, drug-free lifestyle
Local Unit Citizenship
During the holiday season and beyond, Young Marines demonstrate civic unity through:
- Wreath-laying ceremonies on National Wreaths Across America Day— youth place a wreath on a veteran’s grave and are encouraged to speak the veteran’s name aloud as a tribute
- Toys for Tots participation during the holiday season
- Many other local traditions that bring communities together in unity and remembrance
