Marine Corps Birthday

“Back in 1775, my Marine Corps came alive.” That is the opening line to a popular cadence used by marines today during physical training. The cadence tells of the creation of the Corps by Congress, during the American Revolution. During those early days, the Marines were used as ship guards and boarding parties. Their role quickly expanded over the years as more and more wars were fought around the world where the marines’ special talents were needed.

Marines take their birthday seriously. For them, it is highly motivating and that motivation usually manifests itself into a long 10 to 20 mile run around the base. The Marines form up in their shorts and skivvies, all matching each other. The run usually begins at 5:30 a.m. sharp and takes anywhere from two to four hours to complete. Prior to the run, the normal stretching and route planning occurs but none are really worried about t

An early birthday dinner is prepared for around 4:30 p.m. in the base chow hall or units with money to spare make reservations at a nice restaurant. Steak and Lobster are the usual entrée and is usually the only time the Corps will ever feed its Marines such a meal. That in itself makes this meal special. Marines don their Dress Blues uniform or Service Alpha uniform for this occasion. Marine officers have a special Mess Dress uniform they wear just for special dinners such as this. They sit among their troops with their white trousers sharply contrasting with the enlisted men’s blue or green trousers. Shined metals, rows of ribbons, yellow or green sleeve stripes, and anodized buttons and buckles match nicely with the fine china, napkins, and silverware set upon each table. The Marines sit around talking about some of the recent deployments they had been on or the morning run they had just completed earlier. The base commander and even the usually stand-offish base Sergeant Major join the Marines on this occasion. This only adds to the excitement as marines usually don’t get to see the playful and festive sides of their base commander or Sergeant Major at any other time.

After the photos are taken, you proceed yet further into the ballroom to see the table set up. Each table mirrors the other and all places are reserved with your name and a number based upon your ball ticket. There is no meal served except for the refreshments, beer, and wine sold at the bar. The tables are round and set up for formal drinking and chatting. Each table has a white table cloth, and each setting has a napkin, wine and champagne glass, and a small Marine flag. At the far end of the ballroom there is a dance floor and a stage. A live band will play just about any music that is requested. A full stocked bar or even two can be seen on either side of the ballroom. The lights are turned down low and the dancing and drinking begin. Looking around reminds you of a movie. Some Marines and sailors in their dress uniforms sit around slapping backs, drinking, and telling war stories w

Some topics in this essay:
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