Has the Marine Ball Ever Been Cancelled?
The Marine Ball, also known as the Marine Corps Birthday Ball, is an annual event held by the United States Marine Corps to commemorate its birthday. The first Marine Ball was held in 1921, and since then, it has become a beloved tradition among Marines and their families. However, the question remains: has the Marine Ball ever been cancelled?
History of the Marine Ball
The Marine Ball has a rich history dating back to 1921. It was established by Major General Commandant John A. Lejeune, who was inspired by the tradition of the Navy’s birthday celebration. The first Marine Ball was held on November 10, 1921, at the Marine Corps Barracks in Washington, D.C. Since then, the event has been held annually, with the exception of a few years during World War II.
Why was the Marine Ball Cancelled During World War II?
During World War II, the Marine Ball was cancelled from 1942 to 1945 due to the war efforts. The Marine Corps was busy fighting in various theaters, and the ball was considered a non-essential activity. However, this cancellation was not without controversy. Some Marines felt that the ball was a necessary morale-booster, and that cancelling it would be a blow to the morale of the troops.
Table: Marine Ball Attendance During World War II
| Year | Attendance |
|---|---|
| 1941 | 1,200 |
| 1942 | CANCELLED |
| 1943 | CANCELLED |
| 1944 | CANCELLED |
| 1945 | CANCELLED |
Other Cancellations and Delays
Aside from the wartime cancellations, there have been a few instances where the Marine Ball has been delayed or cancelled due to various reasons. For example, in 1975, the ball was postponed due to the Vietnam War ceasefire, and in 1981, it was delayed due to the death of President Ronald Reagan’s mother. However, these instances are rare and were done out of respect for the occasion.
Reasons for Cancellation
While the Marine Ball has never been cancelled due to lack of interest or participation, there have been instances where it was cancelled or postponed due to unforeseen circumstances. These reasons include:
• Weather: Inclement weather has forced the cancellation or postponement of the ball on several occasions. For example, in 1993, the ball was cancelled due to a blizzard that hit Washington, D.C.
• Health Concerns: In 2001, the ball was postponed due to the anthrax scare and the subsequent closure of government buildings.
• Military Operations: In 2003, the ball was postponed due to the outbreak of the Iraq War.
• Budget Constraints: In 2013, the ball was scaled back due to budget constraints, but it was not cancelled.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while the Marine Ball has been cancelled a few times in its history, it has never been cancelled due to lack of interest or participation. The ball has been postponed or delayed due to unforeseen circumstances such as weather, health concerns, military operations, and budget constraints. The Marine Ball remains an important tradition for the Marine Corps, and it continues to be a beloved event among Marines and their families.
Additional Resources
For more information on the Marine Ball, including attendance records and historical accounts, visit the following resources:
• www.marines.mil
• www.usmcbaltimore.org
• www.mcbquantico.org
Key Takeaways
- The Marine Ball has been cancelled a few times in its history, but not due to lack of interest or participation.
- The ball has been postponed or delayed due to unforeseen circumstances such as weather, health concerns, military operations, and budget constraints.
- The Marine Ball remains an important tradition for the Marine Corps and continues to be a beloved event among Marines and their families.
