The annual Marine Corps birthday ball is a formal event celebrating the founding of the United States Marine Corps. This event is a long-standing tradition that honors the history, heritage, and esprit de corps of the Marine Corps. Specific dates for the ball vary by unit and location, generally occurring around November 10th, which marks the Marine Corps’ official birthday.
The significance of the celebration lies in its commemoration of the Corps’ establishment and the values it represents. The ball fosters camaraderie and reinforces the bonds among Marines, past and present. Furthermore, it serves as a public display of the Marine Corps’ pride and dedication to service, boosting morale and strengthening its connection with the wider community. Historically, the ball has involved traditional customs such as the reading of the Commandant’s birthday message and the cutting of the birthday cake with a sword.
