HAPPY BIRTHDAY MARINES CELEBRATING 245 YEARS
Liberty Never Tasted So Good
By Major Michael Allen, Operations Officer, Blount Island Command
Proudly Offering Military Discounts.
On Tuesday, Nov. 10, Marines throughout the world will gather to celebrate the 245th birthday of the Marine Corps. This tradition began on November 1, 1921, when General John A. Lejeune, the 13th Commandant of the Marine Corps, directed that a reminder of the honorable service of the Corps be published by every command, to all Marines throughout the globe, on the birthday of the Corps. We continue to honor this tradition by reading the original birthday message published by General Lejeune in 1921 and by reading the birthday message from the current commandant of the Marine Corps. It is important to understand that this tradition perseveres, regardless of where Marines are on November 10. We celebrate this occasion in garrison and while deployed around the globe in support of security engagements, contingencies and crises. From grandiose celebrations in expensive hotels featuring extravagant cakes to battle positions in foreign lands featuring MRE pound cake and peanut butter, Marines pause to pay homage to those we serve with and those we have lost, and to reflect on the service that the Marine Corps has provided in defense of our nation. Historically, the birthday is celebrated at the Marine Corps Birthday Ball, an event every command engages in. It serves to strengthen ties to our service, honor the sacrifices that were made throughout the history of our service, and significantly develop and improve the esprit de corps of those in attendance.
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The birthday ball exhibits both pageantry and celebration. The pageantry consists of the reading of the aforementioned birthday messages and culminates with the cake-cutting ceremony. During this ceremony, we honor the oldest and youngest Marines present. The oldest takes a bite of cake and passes that piece to the youngest, who subsequently takes a bite from the same piece of cake. This solemn act signifies the passing of wisdom and tradition from the old to the young. The significance of this ceremony is that it is not limited to Marines currently serving. Once a Marine, always a Marine, and as such, the oldest Marine present, regardless of current or past service, is honored during the cake-cutting ceremony. Following this ceremony, all who are present share in a birthday meal and then celebrate through song and dance and camaraderie. This truly is an exciting time of year for Marines. If you know a Marine, be sure to tell him or her “Happy Birthday� on November 10. You will surely brighten their day, as they pause to remember the significance of this day. Happy Birthday, Marines.
LIBERTYLIFEMEDIA.COM | OCTOBER 28, 2020 VOL. 1 / ISSUE 9
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