MARINE CORPS AIR STATION NEW RIVER, N.C. -- Marines across the world are prepping their dress blue uniforms and mustering up the same courage required in the heat of battle to invite their ball dates to the Marine Corps’ 238th birthday celebration, Nov. 10.
The Marine Corps birthday ball is one of the few opportunities Marines have to wear the highly-coveted dress blue uniform.
Each Marine will break out the rulers and lint rollers as they touch up the sleek uniform, making sure to hang their medals with care and to align their anodized buttons perfectly.
The Marine Corps ball is arguably the biggest event of the year for the Marines. Mainly due to the fact that the ‘ball has it all.’
A consistent part of the ball is the reading of the birthday message from Gen. John A. Lejeune, the 13th Commandant of the Marine Corps.
This sets the tone for the entire ball.
His message helps Marines get into a mindset of reflection on the role of Marines the past, as well as a look toward the future.
Being deeply rooted in our Corps’ rich history, the Marine Corps ball ceremony has been known to bring tears to the saltiest gunnery sergeant’s eyes, and have the most disgruntled lance corporal ready to reenlist.
For Marines with more culinary interests, units Corps-wide spare no expense when hiring the finest caterers to provide the meals for the evening, preparing dishes such as steak and lobster.
The Marine Corps birthday ball is also an opportunity for Marines to step out of their comfort zones and onto the dance floor, and it’s not just junior Marines.
There have been many time where staff noncommissioned officers have busted out the moves like Jagger and served their young devil dogs.
But in all reality, it isn’t the food or the dancing that makes the Marine Corps birthday ball special.
It is being surrounded by your fellow Marines and sharing a special occasion which makes you proud to say you are part of something larger than yourself.
Marines, as we step out to paint the town Marine Corps red (and gold), keep in mind that we are representing the Marines of old, upholding their customs and traditions. Have fun at the ball and take care of the Marines to the left and right of you.
Semper Fidelis.