Love Life With Faith & Fun: 2014

Five years ago I had the privilege of attending the 234^th annual United States Marine Corps Birthday Ball in Washington DC. That experience was an incredible honor for me and one that left a profound impression I cannot forget. I stood in the midst of thousands of honorable men and women serving our great country. I was struck with a deep sense of honor to be in their presence and celebrate in their birthday ceremony. Because of that awe inspiring experience I decided to inform you today a little bit about the history and legacy of the United States Marine Corps and the Birthday Ceremony I attended.

Tun Tavern

First, the Marine Corps was established during the American Revolution, on November 10, 1775. At Tun Tavern in Philadelphia a committee of the continental congress met to officially form the “Continental Marines.” Each year the Marine Corps marks that date and celebrates the legacy and spirit of the men & women who have served and continue to serve as United States Marines.[1]

General James T. Conway

At the beginning of this article is a portion of the video clip from the former Commandant of the US Marine Corps. General James T. Conway was the 34^th Commandant and highest ranking General of the United States Marine Corps and was the presiding General at the Commandant's Birthday Ball that I attended in Washington DC in 2009. That video was shown to Marines throughout the world as part of the celebration for the establishment of the Corps.

Mameluke Sword

As part of the Birthday Celebration the Commandant, General James T. Conway, cut the birthday cake with the Mameluke sword. To give you a little history about the sword; after the US Marine Corps victory at Tripoli, in 1825 Mameluke presented his sword to Lt. O’Bannon. Since that date the famous sword became part of the officer’s uniform and is the oldest ceremonial weapon in use by the United States Forces today.[2]

The picture is the cake that was at the birthday ball I attended;
it was all cake and is a replica of Tun Tavern.

Harvey Keitel

The Commandant cut the cake with the Mameluke sword the first piece of the cake was presented to the guest of honor. In 2009 the guest of honor was actor Harvey Keitel. After he took the first bite, the oldest Marine at the ceremony was given a piece of cake, takes a bite and he passes the piece of cake to the youngest Marine at the celebration. This ceremony represents the passing of tradition and legacy to the next generation of Marines.

Eagle, Globe, & Anchor

The symbol for the United States Marine Corps is the Eagle, Globe, & Anchor. The Eagle represents the United States; the globe is the worldwide presence of the Marines; and the anchor signifies the ties they have to the Navy.

The motto for the United States Marine Corps is Semper Fidelis, Latin for Always Faithful. This means that a Marine is faithful to the mission that needs to be accomplished, to his fellow comrades, to the Corps and to his country. Below is the continued clip from the Commandant of two Marines that lived by this motto.

In conclusion I would just like to say there is legacy and honor in the traditions of the United States Marine Corps and all other military forces. The Marines motto, “Semper Fidelis” is appropriate for us civilians as well. As we support our military service men and women in whatsoever branch of the military be it the Marines, Army, Navy, Air force, or even the Coast Guard, may we always be faithful to them for the sacrifice they make for our country so that we can celebrate traditions, legacy, and the freedoms that we have in this country.