Happy birthday, Marines! You don't look a day over 240!
Marines from Headquarters & Service Battalion, Headquarters Marine Corps Henderson Hall joined their brothers and sisters around the world in celebrating the 240th birthday of the Corps Nov. 10 during a traditional cake cutting ceremony at Joe Rosenthal Theater that also honored the oldest and youngest Devil Dog at the event.
It is customary at Marine Corps birthday celebrations worldwide to cut a traditional cake with a Mameluke sword as a reminder that Marines are a band of warriors, committed to carrying the sword so our nation can live in peace, according to the ceremony's narrator.
Battalion Commander Col. Andrew Regan expressed his gratitude for those who wear the Eagle, Globe and Anchor today, those who have worn it in the past, and to the civilian Marines who support them.
"Happy birthday, everybody," he concluded.
Lance Cpl. Michelle Ponce was the youngest Marine at the ceremony while retired Master Gunnery Sgt. John "Jim Bob" Charles was the oldest.
"It is an honor to serve," said Ponce, who joined the Corps in 2014.
Charles, who enlisted in the Corps in 1979, smiled broadly as he discussed today's Marines.
"We are in good hands," he said.
Attendees also saw a 10-minute video message from Marine Commandant Gen. Robert Neller and Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps Ronald Green. The senior leaders urged viewers to remember both the Corps' legacy and what it means to be a Marine.
"We hope each of you will have a chance to reflect on our history, remember those who sacrificed and reaffirm your commitment to the strengthening of our Corps," said Neller.
The ceremony also included the reading of Gen. John A. Lejeune's birthday message and the passing of the first piece of cake from the oldest Marine present to the youngest, a tradition signifying the passing of the Corps' experience and knowledge from one generation of Marines to the next.
The Corps was founded Nov. 10, 1775, when the Continental Congress approved a resolution to establish two battalions of Marines able to fight for independence both on the land and on the sea.
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