This year marks the 250th anniversary of the founding of the Marine Corps in 1775. Each year, on or close to Nov. 10, the birthday of the Marine Corps is celebrated worldwide at birthday balls.
As the event is formal, the attire is dress blues, evening dress, mess dress, service alphas, tuxedo with miniature medals, suit and tie or floor-length gowns.
The Marine Corps birthday cake-cutting ceremony is an important part of the birthday ball. The cake is cut with the Mameluke sword, which officers carry. The first piece of cake is given to the guest of honor. Traditionally, the second piece is given to the oldest Marine and the third to the youngest, signifying the passing of experience and knowledge.
The Marine Corps commandant writes a birthday message that is read during the celebrations. Gen. Eric M. Smith, the 39th commandant of the Marine Corps, along with Marine Sgt. Maj. Carlos A. Ruiz, the 20th sergeant major of the Marine Corps, delivered the 250th birthday message, Nov. 10, in Arlington, Virginia.
“This anniversary reminds us that our standards are the foundation of our Corps. Honor, courage and commitment are not abstractions, but the code that binds us to one another and to all who went before. “Every Marine, in every clime and place, must hold true to these values. The conflicts ahead will demand nothing less.”
The birthday message from the 13th commandant of the Marine Corps, Maj. Gen. John A. Lejeune is also read each year.
His message reads: "On Nov. 10, 1775, a corps of Marines was created by a resolution of Continental Congress. Since that date, many thousand men have borne the name ‘Marine.’ In memory of them, it is fitting that we, who are Marines, should commemorate the birthday of our Corps by calling to mind the glories of its long and illustrious history.
"The record of our Corps is one which will bear comparison with that of the most famous military organizations in the world’s history. During 90 of the 146 years of its existence, the Marine Corps has been in action against the nation’s foes. From the Battle of Trenton to the Argonne, Marines have won foremost honors in war, and in the long eras of tranquility at home, generation after generation of Marines have grown gray in war in both hemispheres and in every corner of the seven seas, that our country and its citizens might enjoy peace and security.
"In every battle and skirmish since the birth of our Corps, Marines have acquitted themselves with the greatest distinction, winning new honors on each occasion until the term Marine has come to signify all that is highest in military efficiency and soldierly virtue.
"This high name of distinction and soldierly repute we, who are Marines today, have received from those who preceded us in the Corps. With it, we have also received from them the eternal spirit which has animated our Corps from generation to generation and has been the distinguishing mark of the Marines in every age. So long as that spirit continues to flourish, Marines will be found equal to every emergency in the future as they have been in the past, and the men of our nation will regard us as worthy successors to the long line of illustrious men who have served as “soldiers of the sea” since the founding of the Corps."
Following the ceremonies, a banquet is served, and a dance is held.