About 100 former and current Marines are expected on Thursday to celebrate the 230th birthday of the U.S. Marine Corps.

The Lawrence reception begins at 10:30 a.m. at the Dole Institute of Politics on Kansas University’s west campus.

This year’s reception will include speaker Lt. Col. Ernie Garcia, a Kansas University ROTC graduate who served in Iraq, said Lt. Col. Erv Hodges, Ret., an organizer for the event.

Hodges served in the Marines from 1948-1971.

He said it was important to recognize the birthday of the Marines and particularly pay tribute to those in action overseas right now.

“This is a tough one, and they are doing well,” Hodges said.

In Lawrence, former Marines have gathered annually on Nov. 10 for about 20 years, Hodges said. What began with about 10 people has grown to include about 100 each year, he said.

Thursday’s event will include the National Anthem sung by members of the Lawrence High Chorus along with award presentations and a birthday cake.

“The oldest Marine gets the first piece, and the youngest Marine gets the second,” Hodges said.

The public is welcome to attend Thursday’s ceremony, he said.

The U.S. Postal Service will release commemorative stamps on Thursday honoring the Marine Corps.