251st Marine Corps Ball - Granite State Marines

251st Marine Corps Birthday Ball

Hosted Jointly by the

Granite State Detachment #542 and the Gary S. Dillon Detachment #734

November 10, 2026

Puritan Conference Center — 254 Hooksett Road, Manchester, NH

Founded in 1983, the Granite State Detachment #542 of the Marine Corps League is a proud community of Marines, FMF Navy Chaplains, FMF Navy Corpsmen, and Associate Members dedicated to preserving Marine Corps traditions and supporting those who have worn the Eagle, Globe, and Anchor. The detachment is deeply rooted in the greater Manchester area, providing outreach, veteran assistance, and community engagement that strengthens and supports Marines, veterans, and their families.

Our detachment is named in honor of Capt. Gary S. Dillon, who died in training exercise undertaken as part of Operation Desert Shield. On October 8, 1990, while conducting a training exercise over the Arabian Sea, Captain Dillon was involved in a midair collision with another helicopter. Both aircraft were lost, and the crews were not recovered. His death occurred during the early months of the Gulf War buildup, underscoring the inherent dangers of aviation operations even outside of combat.

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The Tradition of the Marine Corps Birthday

Each year on November 10th, Marines around the world pause to honor the founding of our Corps in 1775 and to reflect on the legacy passed from one generation to the next. At every Birthday Ball, Marines take part in time‑honored traditions, including the reading of General John A. Lejeune’s message, which reminds us of the character, service, and sacrifice that define the Marine Corps. The ceremony continues with the cutting of the Birthday Cake, symbolizing the passing of knowledge and responsibility from the oldest Marine present to the youngest. These traditions connect Marines, families, and the community in a shared celebration of heritage, unity, and the enduring spirit of the Corps.

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Sponsorship Levels

Support the 251st Marine Corps Birthday Ball and help us honor Marines, veterans, and their families. Sponsorships directly fund the event and ensure accessibility for all attendees.

Sponsorship Tiers

$5,000 — Medal of Honor Event Sponsor (Limited to one)
$2,500 — Navy Cross Sponsor (Limited to two — only one remaining)
$1,500 — Distinguished Service Sponsor
$1,000 — Silver Star Sponsor
$750 — Legion of Merit Sponsor
$500 — Bronze Star Sponsor
Under $500 — Honorable Mention Sponsor

Below please find three buttons with links to view the full sponsorship benefits listing, a downloadable form to support with a check and online payment method with Zeffy. To Sponsor the Marine Corps Ball with a bank or credit card, please use the button below for Zeffy. Zeffy is a payment processing platform for non-profits that does not charge fees so all sponsorship dollars go to the event. However, their site will automatically enter a value for a suggested donation to support Zeffy; select the amount and click "other" and enter zero or the value you wish.

View Sponsorship Benefits (PDF)

Download Sponsor Form (Check Payments)

Sponsor Online (Zeffy — No Fees)

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