This year’s Navy-Marine Corps Annual Ball will be held on April 5th at the Washington Hilton. The Navy-Marine Corps Ball has a long and rich history and tradition. The first ball was held ninety-five years ago in 1913. Considered one of the foremost social events of the year, the ball in 1913 was attended by, then Secretary of the Navy, Franklin D. Roosevelt and Admiral George Dewey. Over the years this historical event was attended by screen stars and entertainers from Hollywood and New York.
Since the first ball in 1913, the Navy-Marine Corps Ball has been held annually except during World War II, when it was canceled for the duration of the conflict. Following the end of World War II, it resumed on January 22, 1948. The Washington Post described it as brilliant and dazzling:
‘‘Rarely has Washington seen a more glittering assemblage than that which gathered in the Mayflower Ballroom for the first big party the Navy Relief Society has given since the war began.”
Among the guests included at that ball were Fleet Admirals Chester Nimitz and William Leahy, General Omar Bradley, Admiral Thomas Kincaid, Mrs. Harry Truman and her daughter, Margaret. Screen star, Robert Taylor, served as the Master of Ceremonies. Presentations of the evening at this particular ball included awards to World War II heroes.
The Navy-Marine Corps Ball is the largest fund raiser for the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society (NMCRS). The NMCRS got its start in 1904 from the proceeds that were generated at the annual Army-Navy football game in 1903. It was incorporated on January 23, 1904 and Mrs. Grace Higginson was appointed the first President. She and fifteen volunteers began by assisting the widows and orphans of Navy and Marine Corps men who had been killed in action. Before the establishment of the NMCRS, the only monetary support family members received were contributions obtained by ‘‘passing the hat” among the deceased member’s unit.
The NMCRS has come a very long way over the last 104 years. While the annual ball is still the largest fundraiser for the organization, they receive support from many venues. This support goes directly to our Sailors and Marines in need. Last Thursday, NNMC had our Kick-Off celebration for the Active Duty Fund Drive to benefit the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society. Last year, NNMC collected $48,841 for the NMCRS. This year our goal is to collect $50,000 or more.
The Navy and Marine Corps Relief Society offers countless benefits and assistance programs to our Sailors and Marines in need. Some of these benefits include: financial assistance; emergency travel; food, rent⁄mortgage and utilities; funeral expenses; and essential vehicle and home repairs.
I encourage you all to attend the Navy and Marine Corps Relief Society Ball. I also ask that you be as generous as possible in contributing to the Active Duty Fund Drive. Both of these events benefit this most worthy organization and provide support for our Navy and Marine Corps Active Duty members and their families.
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