Marine Corps Ball 2008

Today marks the 233rd birthday of the U.S. Marine Corps which was founded on November 10, 1775 at Tun Tavern in Philadelphia, Penn. Throughout the world today, U.S. Marines pause, wherever they may be, to remember the Marines who have come before them and to also reflect on the customs and traditions we are so famously known for. This is done in combat, on ships, at bases and stations, or wherever there are Marines. It is something held sacred to Marines. It is a day of camaraderie, and a day to honor Corps and Country.

A little Marine Corps history for you:

About the Marines

Emblem: The Eagle, globe and anchor, was adopted in 1868. The globe and anchor signify worldwide service and sea traditions. The spread eagle represents the nation itself. The motto is clenched in the beak of the bird.

Nickname: Devil dogs. During WW I, the Marines fought the Germans at Belleau Wood. The persistent attacks from the Marines had the Germans calling the Marines "Teufelhunden" (Devil Dogs)

Uniform: The Scarlet trouser stripe is a red seam down the side of the trousers of NCO's and above. The red stripe was first seen on uniforms in 1796. It was used off and on until uniform regulations made it standard in 1859. The stripe represents blood shed by Marines at the Battle of Chapultepec in the war with Mexico in 1846.

Colors: Scarlet and Gold

Motto: Semper Fidelis, Latin for "Always Faithful" It was officially adopted in 1883.

This year our ball was last Friday. After 4 pregnancy's I was bound to be pregnant for atleast one of the balls!!!!

I never get sick of hearing the band play the Marine Corps Hymn, as Marines stand with their head and eyes locked straight ahead, their shoulders square, their thumbs straight down the seams of their trousers and their feet at a 45 degree angel at the position of attention.

Following with tradition, there is a reading of the birthday message from General John A. Lejeune, who was the 13th Commandant of the Marine Corps. Since 1921, Gen Lejeune's birthday message has been read each year during the birthday celebration. Following this, the birthday message from the current commandant, General James T. Conway, is read during the ceremony.

As part of the celebration, there is a cake cutting ceremony. The Marines Hymn is played in a somber and respectful fashion as the cake is slowly rolled in. It is cut using a sword and the first piece of the cake is passed to the oldest Marine present. The second piece is passed from the oldest Marine to the youngest Marine present. This symbolizes the passing of traditions from one generation to the next.

What follows after that is alot of Alcohol. A LOT of alcohol. As you can see from the three stooges below. This was early in the night too...

King, Ski and Beaty!

The three proud wive's of drunk Marines - Shannon me and Rachel

Did I mention there is a lot of alcohol???

Aren't we just adorable!!!

After the ball we all went out to eat at The Waffle House. There are only two places authorized for Marines to wear their Dress Blue Alpha's - Official military occasions and The Waffle House.

But seriously I just wanted to wish all the Marines a Happy Birthday and Semper Fi!