Naval Academy faculty, staff and midshipmen celebrated the 236th birthday of the U.S. Marine Corps Nov. 10 with a ball in Dahlgren Hall.
This annual celebration is intended to honor the traditions of Marine Corps heritage and recognize its rich history.
The first formal Marine Corps birthday ball took place in 1925 and has since become an annual tradition. The event includes a cake-cutting ceremony during which the first pieces of cake go to the oldest and youngest Marines at the ball. This custom symbolizes experienced Marines passing their knowledge to the next generation.
Following the cake-cutting ceremony, the guest speaker, Marine Lt. Gen. Robert E. Milstead Jr., deputy commandant for Manpower and Reserve Affairs, addressed the audience.
“Tonight’s celebration is one of our most sacred rites. Not only do we celebrate the birth of our corps but we also pause to reflect on our proud heritage,” said Milstead. “We want to stop and think about those who have gone before us and bring to mind our brothers and sisters who are in harm’s way right now.”
Milstead recalled recent battles in Iraq and Afghanistan as examples of the valor of the U.S. Marine Corps. He spoke about the transformation of “quality citizens” into Marines, stating that he wasn’t really born until he joined the Marine Corps. “All Marines are born again,” he said. “We are members of a warrior class.”
Milstead then read the award citation of a 19-year-old Marine who, even after suffering injuries, continued to fight hand-to-hand before he was mortally wounded.
This is an example of that transformation, he said.
In closing, Milstead called on the audience to recall that the North Star is the only star in the night sky that never moves.
“Its position is fixed and unchangeable. You can navigate by it,” he said. “Such is our corps.”
On Nov. 10, 1775, the Continental Marines were established in preparation for the Revolutionary War. The Marines began officially honoring their birthday in 1921, after Marine Corps Order No. 47, Series 1921, was issued by Maj. Gen. John A. Lejeune, requiring that a statement about the history, mission and tradition of the Marine Corps be read every Nov. 10.
