Young Marines of the Marine Corps League

The Young Marines is a national non-profit 501c (3) youth education and service program for boys and girls, aged eight through high school graduation. The Young Marines promotes the mental, moral and physical development of its members. The program focuses on teaching the values of leadership, teamwork and self-discipline, so its members can live and promote a healthy, drug-free lifestyle. 

The Young Marines strengthens the lives of America’s youth by teaching the importance of self-confidence, academic achievement, honoring our veterans, good citizenship, community service, and living a healthy, drug-free lifestyle. The Young Marines promotes the mental, moral, and physical development of its members. The program focuses on character building and leadership and promotes a lifestyle that is conducive to being productive members of society. 

Young Marine’s Marine Corps League Commendation Ribbon Unit (#1502) – Awarded to a Young Marine unit, regiment, or division for outstanding performance of duty to the community over an extended period of time, or for any single act when the Unit has performed under great competition with other units or organizations. Marine Corps League Detachment, Department, Division, or National Commandant can submit a short letter to the Young Marines’ National Executive Director (Col Bill Davis) nominating a Young Marines group (unit, regiment, division) for the award. Bill.Davis@youngmarines.org

(Note: This is not an MCL ribbon, it is a YM ribbon)

In 1959 in Waterbury, Connecticut, several Marine Corps League members formed an organization for boys that would mirror the values of the Marine Corps. Their vision – to offer leadership training and other life skills – formed the bedrock of the organization known today as the Young Marines. Years later, the program is a highly respected youth organization, for boys and girls age eight through high school graduation, that has grown to over 200 units. The focus, though, has remained the same: to strengthen the lives of America’s youth by teaching the importance of self-confidence, academic achievement, honoring our veterans, good citizenship, community service, and living a healthy, drug-free lifestyle. The core values – leadership, teamwork, and discipline – are well understood and practiced by all.  Visit them at YoungMarines.org