A Stratford family is celebrating the promotion of not just one relative, but two in the U.S. Marine Corps.

A celebration was held Friday at Pender's Field for Gregory Billingham Jr. and Corey Billingham, who were both promoted to staff sergeant.

They say this is the first time in Connecticut's history that two brothers were promoted on the same day.

"Getting promoted to staff sergeant is more responsibility. Being a leader in the Marine Corps, you owe it to the marines above and below to be an exemplary marine and leader," says Gregory Billingham Jr.

Corey describes the rank of staff sergeant in the Marines as "something special."

"You are that step when it comes to the officer to the enlisted, you're the one that's communicating down the line, it’s a lot of responsibility," says Corey.