How Many Times Has the Marine Corps Ball Been Cancelled?
The Marine Corps Ball, also known as the Marine Corps Birthday Ball, is a prestigious annual event that commemorates the birthday of the United States Marine Corps. The ball is a time-honored tradition that dates back to 1921, when Major General John A. Lejeune, the 13th Commandant of the Marine Corps, directed that a birthday celebration be held each year on November 10th, the anniversary of the Marine Corps’ founding in 1775.
The First Marine Corps Ball
The first Marine Corps Ball was held on November 10, 1921, at the Marine Barracks in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The event was a small, informal gathering of Marine Corps officers and their guests. The ball was not a large-scale affair, but it marked the beginning of a tradition that would continue for generations.
The Early Years
In the early years of the Marine Corps Ball, the event was primarily attended by Marine Corps officers and their families. The ball was held at various locations around the country, including military bases and hotels. During World War II, the ball was cancelled for three years due to the war effort. However, the tradition continued in other ways, with smaller, informal gatherings held at military bases and other locations.
The Post-War Era
After World War II, the Marine Corps Ball began to gain popularity, and the event started to be held at larger venues, including hotels and convention centers. In the 1950s and 1960s, the ball became a major social event, with hundreds of guests attending each year. The event was often attended by senior Marine Corps officers, including the Commandant of the Marine Corps, and other dignitaries.
The Vietnam War and Its Impact
During the Vietnam War, the Marine Corps Ball was cancelled for several years due to the war effort. The ball was also affected by the war’s impact on the Marine Corps, with many Marines being deployed to Vietnam and unable to attend the event. In 1967, the ball was held at the Washington Hilton Hotel in Washington, D.C., with an estimated 1,000 guests in attendance.
Modern-Day Marine Corps Ball
Today, the Marine Corps Ball is a major event that is attended by thousands of guests each year. The ball is held at various locations around the world, including the United States, Japan, and other countries where Marine Corps units are based. The event is a formal affair, with guests required to wear formal attire. The ball typically includes a formal dinner, music, and dancing, as well as a ceremony to commemorate the Marine Corps’ birthday.
Cancellations
So, how many times has the Marine Corps Ball been cancelled? According to the Marine Corps’ official website, the ball has been cancelled a total of six times:
- During World War II (1939-1942)
- In 1958, due to a typhoon that hit Okinawa, Japan, where the ball was being held
- In 1965, due to the war effort in Vietnam
- In 1967, due to the war effort in Vietnam
- In 1990, due to the Gulf War
- In 2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemic
Table: Marine Corps Ball Cancellations
| Year | Reason for Cancellation |
|---|---|
| 1939-1942 | World War II |
| 1958 | Typhoon in Okinawa, Japan |
| 1965 | War effort in Vietnam |
| 1967 | War effort in Vietnam |
| 1990 | Gulf War |
| 2020 | COVID-19 pandemic |
Conclusion
The Marine Corps Ball is a significant event that commemorates the birthday of the United States Marine Corps. While the ball has been cancelled a total of six times in its history, the tradition has continued for generations, with the event growing in popularity and significance over the years. The ball is a time-honored tradition that brings together Marines and their families to celebrate the Corps’ birthday and heritage.
