Special event honoring our US Marine Corps as they celebrate their 250th anniversary! The event will be held at The Velocity Center on November 6, 2025 at 5:00 PM local time.
Why: We are hosting this event to bring together veterans, defense professionals, and community members to honor the service and sacrifice of all who have worn the uniform. This year carries a special significance as we mark 250 years since the founding of the United States Marine Corps alongside Veterans Day, recognizing the generations of men and women whose commitment has safeguarded our freedom.
Event Schedule
5:00 – 5:30 PM | Networking Reception
Connect with veterans, service members, defense professionals, and community leaders before the ceremony begins.
Light refreshments will be served.
Sponsor logos displayed throughout the venue, including Rehmann, Gideon Defense, and Ace Electronics (cake sponsor).
5:30 – 6:00 PM | Birthday Ceremony
Emcee: Capt Anthony Owens
• Presentation of Colors – Performed by the Color Guard (May need to only have stationary colors)
• National Anthem – Played over speakers
• Opening Prayer – Delivered by Anthony Owens
• Memorial Tribute – Moment of silence for fallen service members
• Reading of General John A. Lejeune’s 1921 Birthday Message – Read in full by Anthony Owens
• Commandant’s Birthday Message (Video) – Official message from the Commandant and Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps
• Cake Cutting Ceremony – Led by Emcee
Guest of Honor: LtCol (Ret) Casey Brock
Oldest and Youngest Marines participate
Cake sponsored by Ace Electronics
6:00 – 6:10 PM | Welcome Remarks
Speaker: Karen Kiewski, President, Women in Defense Michigan
Karen welcomes attendees, thanks sponsors and partners, and shares brief remarks on the mission of Women in Defense and the importance of honoring all who serve — past and present.
6:10 – 6:25 PM | The Business Value of Veterans
Guest Speaker: Major (Ret) Lorrena Black, Founder, She Served LLC
Major Black shares her story of transformation, service, and leadership, emphasizing how veteran talent strengthens organizations and drives mission success.
Special Feature: Book raffle by Bill Kiefer, author of The Military Talent Advantage.
6:25 – 6:30 PM | Why We Come Together
Two Minutes of Fame – brief sponsor remarks celebrating collaboration, service, and community impact.
• Rehmann
• Gideon Defense
• Ace Electronics
6:30 – 6:35 PM | Closing and Fellowship
Emcee: Anthony Owens
• Closing remarks and appreciation for speakers, sponsors, and guests
• Photos and networking follow
6:35 – 7:00 PM | Networking
Join us to show our appreciation for the brave men and women who have served our country. Hope to see you there!