Happy Birthday!

Today is the 234th birthday of the United States Marine Corps. Twenty-seven years ago I experienced my first Marine Corps birthday at Quantico, Virginia. I had no idea! They take this seriously. Marines are very proud of their heritage and I believe, rightly so. That first year the Marine Corps Birthday Ball we attended was in a hanger at the airfield at Quantico.

Over the years I've been to Balls held in fancy expensive hotels and more than one in old airfield hangers. While in Guantanamo Bay back in the 80s the young Marines turned an old hanger into a replica of Tunn Tavern, the birthplace of the Marines. I remember that year General Grey was the key note speaker. That was something special to experience. Hawaii was the first Ball that we invited civilian friends to join us for the Ball. I had gotten to where I took the occasion for granted. Seeing it through the eyes of someone who had never experienced was refreshing.

My favorite thing about a Marine Corps Ball... the chance once a year get to be Cinderella. It was the only excuse in my life to go all out and dress up formally. Of course, that would be Greg's LEAST favorite thing about the Balls. Then there was the ceremony. Everyone stands as the cake is escorted into the room and the Marine Corps Hymn plays. Fallen Marines are remembered. The youngest and oldest Marines are served the first pieces of the cake. One of the few events I've gone to over the years where usually the keynote speaker is actually worth listening to. Then of course the dancing... again, not Greg's favorite part.

Since he retired in 2002 we haven't been back to a Marine Corps Ball and I do miss them. But I'm glad the tradition continues on... because a birthday is worth celebrating.

Happy 234th and Semper Fidelis!