FORT BENNING, Ga., (Nov. 20, 2013) -- The Fort Benning Marine Corps Detachment celebrated the 238th birthday of the Corps Nov. 13 with a detachment-wide run on Main Post.
Lt. Col. Ruben Martinez, detachment commander, said the run is a Marine tradition.
"The Marine Corps is celebrating 238 years of service, and it is traditional that the Marine Corps units run together to celebrate," Martinez said. "At the largest levels such as Marine bases, usually the highest levels of command will go out and run together.
The run started at the Carmike theater on Main Post, with the Marines making their way from there to the front entrance of McGinnis-Wickam Hall. The run continued around the perimeter of the Airborne towers before returning to the Carmike.
Martinez said the detachment had nearly 100 percent participation, something that is rare for detachment events due to conflicting schedules.
"As the senior Marine here on base, I just wanted to bring all of the Marines who are here together, whether they're here as students or here to augment Army units or are on our staff," Martinez said. "It's just great for camaraderie."
Martinez also said that traditions such as the birthday run are key to instilling a sense of pride in the Marines.
"The Marine Corps relies a lot on its traditions and the heritage of the Marines that have gone before us, so the tradition of coming together every year for camaraderie's sake reminds us who we are, what we're about and where we came from," he said. "It helps keep us on line and rejuvenates us for another year of making Marines and winning battles."
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