What is the Marine Ball?
The Marine Ball, also known as the Marine Corps Ball, is an annual event held by the United States Marine Corps to celebrate its birthday. The tradition dates back to 1921, when the Marine Corps celebrated its 107th birthday with a formal dinner dance. Today, the Marine Ball is a significant event that brings together Marines, veterans, and their families to honor the Corps’ rich history and heritage.
History of the Marine Ball
The first Marine Ball was held on November 10, 1921, at the Bellevue-Stratford Hotel in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The event was organized by Major General John A. Lejeune, the 13th Commandant of the Marine Corps, to commemorate the Corps’ birthday. The ball was a grand affair, with over 1,000 guests in attendance, including dignitaries, politicians, and military personnel.
Over the years, the Marine Ball has evolved to become a significant event in the Marine Corps calendar. The ball is typically held on the evening of November 10, the Corps’ birthday, and is attended by Marines, veterans, and their families from around the world.
What Happens at the Marine Ball?
The Marine Ball is a formal event that typically begins with a cocktail hour, followed by a dinner and dance. The evening’s program usually includes:
- Ceremonial Toast: A ceremonial toast is raised to the Marine Corps, its history, and its members.
- Birthday Cake Cutting: The Commandant of the Marine Corps or a senior Marine Corps officer cuts the birthday cake, which is typically a large, elaborate cake adorned with Marine Corps symbols.
- Dinner: A formal dinner is served, often featuring a guest speaker or entertainer.
- Dance: The evening concludes with a dance, featuring a live band or DJ playing popular music.
Traditions and Customs
The Marine Ball is steeped in tradition and custom. Some of the most significant traditions include:
- Formal Attire: Marines and their guests are required to wear formal attire, including dress uniforms, suits, and evening gowns.
- Marine Corps Colors: The Marine Corps colors, which include the flag and the eagle, globe, and anchor emblem, are prominently displayed throughout the event.
- Birthday Song: The Marine Corps birthday song, "Happy Birthday to You," is sung during the ceremony, with the lyrics modified to reflect the Corps’ birthday.
- Gifts: Guests often bring gifts, such as cards, photos, or small tokens, to present to the Commandant or other senior officers.
Table of Contents
Here is a table of contents outlining the key sections of this article:
| Section | Description |
|---|---|
| What is the Marine Ball? | Introduction to the Marine Ball and its significance |
| History of the Marine Ball | The origins and evolution of the Marine Ball |
| What Happens at the Marine Ball? | The events and activities that take place during the Marine Ball |
| Traditions and Customs | The formal attire, Marine Corps colors, birthday song, and gifts that are part of the Marine Ball tradition |
| Conclusion | Summary of the Marine Ball and its importance to the Marine Corps |
Conclusion
The Marine Ball is a significant event in the Marine Corps calendar, celebrating the Corps’ birthday and honoring its history and heritage. The event is steeped in tradition and custom, with formal attire, Marine Corps colors, and a birthday song all playing a part in the ceremony. Whether you’re a Marine, a veteran, or simply a supporter of the Corps, the Marine Ball is an event not to be missed.
