(excerpt from Warrior Culture of the U.S. Marines,
copyright 2001 Marion F. Sturkey)
All U.S. Marines are gung-ho. But, few can match the vision and total
commitment of the famous 13th Commandant, Gen. John A. Lejeune. In 1921 he
issued Marine Corps Order No. 47, Series 1921.
Gen. Lejeune's order summarized the history, mission, and tradition of the
Corps. It further directed that the order be read to all Marines on 10 November
of each year to honor the founding of the Marine Corps. Thereafter, 10 November
became a unique day for U.S. Marines throughout the world.
Soon, some Marine commands began to not only honor the birthday, but celebrate
it. In 1923 the Marine Barracks at Ft. Mifflin, Pennsylvania, staged a formal
dance. The Marines at the Washington Navy Yard arranged a mock battle on the
parade ground. At Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, the Marine baseball team played a Cuban
team and won, 9 to 8.
The first "formal" Birthday Ball took place on Philadelphia in 1925. First
class Marine Corps style, all the way! Guests included the Commandant, the
Secretary of War (in 1925 the term "politically correct" didn't exist; it was
Secretary of War, not Secretary of Defense), and a host of statesmen and elected
officials. Prior to the Ball, Gen. Lejeune unveiled a memorial plaque at Tun
Tavern. Then the entourage headed for the Benjamin Franklin Hotel and an
evening of festivities and frolicking.
Over the years the annual Birthday Ball grew and grew, taking on a life of its
own. In 1952 the Commandant, Gen. Lemuel C. Shepherd Jr., formalized the cake-
cutting ceremony and other traditional observances. For example, Marine Corps
policy now mandates that the first piece of cake must be presented to the oldest
U.S. Marine present. The second piece goes to the youngest Marine. Among the
many such mandates is a solemn reading of the
Commandant's birthday message to
the Corps.
Like the U.S. Marine Corps itself, the annual Birthday Ball has evolved from
simple origins to the polished and professional functions of today.
Nonetheless, one thing remains constant, the tenth day of November! This unique
holiday for warriors is a day of camaraderie, a day to honor Corps and Country.
Throughout the world on 10 November, U.S. Marines celebrate the birth of their
Corps -- the most loyal, most feared, most revered, and most professional
fighting force the world has ever known.