235th Marine Corps Birthday Ball

On Wednesday the 10th we celebrated the Marine Corps Birthday, how it is celebrated wherever Marines are located. (Seriously though, even in the midst of combat they do their best to at least have some form of cake!) It is a proud day for all Marines- future, current, and former. To begin the ceremony the Honor Guard marched in followed by the special guests and guest of honor, then the Color Guard presented the flags. Afterwords the Chaplain offered a prayer for the group, the food, and the remembrance- I absolutely love that this is still part of the tradition, that prayer is still allowed, and at the number of "Amens" we heard all around the room. This year they paid a special tribute to the Korean Veterans... here is the Commandant's Official Message, which they played at the ball:



After the video the guest of honor spoke and then the cake was brought in, per tradition the first piece is cut with a sword then given to the guest of honor. A second piece is cut and given to the oldest Marine in the room- who then gives the piece to the youngest Marine (this year born in 1991!).

Rumored to have been made by Ace of Cakes

When the cake detail left, the "Missing Man" table was presented and described. At this time the drummer and bagpiper came in... I did my best to hold back tears. I think bagpipes are the saddest yet most honorable instrument next to the trumpet for honoring those that have left us. I think part of the reason I relate to them this way was from attending my "Uncle" Chuck's funeral when I was very young.

Once the remembrance and formalities were completed dinner and dessert were served followed by dancing. It was a fun night, we won the glass pitcher centerpiece at our table, which has "235th Marine Corps Birthday Ball" and an EGA etched into it. We each received a bottle opener saying the same thing with Iwo Jima images on the back.

Some photos from the night:

[click any to view in larger resolution]