When is the Marine Corps Ball?
The Marine Corps Ball is an annual event that celebrates the founding of the United States Marine Corps. It is a formal dinner and dance held on or around November 10th, which is the birthday of the Marine Corps. The event is a significant tradition for Marines and their families, as well as for those who have served in the Marine Corps.
History of the Marine Corps Ball
The Marine Corps Ball has its roots in the early days of the Marine Corps. In 1775, the Continental Congress passed a resolution stating that two battalions of Marines be raised for the purpose of serving as a military force to support the Navy. On November 10th, 1775, the Continental Congress issued a resolution that officially established the Continental Marines.
In the early years of the Marine Corps, there was no formal celebration of the birthday. However, as the Corps grew and expanded, Marines began to commemorate the occasion with informal gatherings and celebrations. It wasn’t until the early 20th century that the Marine Corps Ball as we know it today began to take shape.
Current Tradition
Today, the Marine Corps Ball is a formal event that is typically held on or around November 10th. The event is usually hosted by a Marine Corps unit, and attendance is open to all Marines, veterans, and their families.
Here are some key points about the current tradition:
• Date: The Marine Corps Ball is typically held on or around November 10th, which is the birthday of the Marine Corps.
• Formal attire: Marines and their guests are expected to wear formal attire, typically a dress uniform or formal civilian attire.
• Ceremonial portion: The event begins with a ceremonial portion, which includes the presentation of the colors, the national anthem, and a welcome message from the host unit’s commanding officer.
• Dinner: Following the ceremonial portion, attendees are treated to a formal dinner, which typically includes a keynote speaker and a guest of honor.
• Dance: The event concludes with a dance, which is usually a formal affair with a live band or DJ.
Guest of Honor
The guest of honor at the Marine Corps Ball is typically a high-ranking Marine Corps officer or a distinguished civilian leader. The guest of honor is usually invited to deliver a keynote speech, which reflects on the history and significance of the Marine Corps.
Here are some examples of past guests of honor:
• General Robert Neller: The 35th Commandant of the Marine Corps, General Neller was the guest of honor at the 2017 Marine Corps Ball.
• Senator John McCain: The late Senator McCain was a long-time supporter of the Marine Corps and was the guest of honor at the 2017 Marine Corps Ball in Quantico, Virginia.
Table of Honor
The Table of Honor is a significant part of the Marine Corps Ball tradition. The Table of Honor is a formal table setting that is reserved for distinguished guests, including the guest of honor and other high-ranking Marine Corps officers.
Here is a sample Table of Honor:
| Position | Guest |
|---|---|
| Guest of Honor | General Robert Neller |
| Commandant of the Marine Corps | General Robert Neller |
| Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps | Sergeant Major Ronald Green |
| Medal of Honor Recipients | Medal of Honor Recipients |
| Other distinguished guests | Other distinguished guests |
Marine Corps Ball Etiquette
As with any formal event, there are certain etiquette rules that attendees should follow. Here are some tips:
• Arrival time: Plan to arrive at least 30 minutes prior to the start of the event to allow time for parking and seating.
• Formal attire: Make sure to wear formal attire, as specified by the host unit.
• Respect for veterans: Show respect for veterans and their families by acknowledging their service and sacrifices.
• Participation: Participate in the ceremony and dance, but avoid disrupting the proceedings or being a distraction.
Conclusion
The Marine Corps Ball is a significant tradition for Marines and their families, as well as for those who have served in the Marine Corps. The event is a celebration of the founding of the Marine Corps and a recognition of the sacrifices made by Marines and their families.
Whether you’re a Marine, a veteran, or simply a supporter of the Marine Corps, the Marine Corps Ball is an event you won’t want to miss. So mark your calendars for November 10th and get ready to celebrate the birthday of the Marine Corps!
