POULSBO, Wash. -- More than 400 service members, friends and family came together to celebrate 237 years of service at the Marine Corps Birthday Ball at the Kiana Lodge, Nov 2.
The event was sponsored by Naval Base Kitsap (NBK) Marine Corps Security Force Battalion (MCSFBn) Bangor.
The celebration started off with a traditional cake-cutting ceremony. Lt. Col. Curtis W. Carlin, commanding officer MCSFBn Bangor, shared the first slice with the guest of honor Sgt. Maj. Jeffery M. Cullen and the oldest and youngest Marines present, Maj. Jason C. Land and Pfc. Roman T. Fernandez.
In a video message Gen. James F. Amos, Commandant of the Marine Corps addressed all those present.
“As we pause to celebrate the 237th birthday of our Corps, we reflect on the rich legacy of service handed down to us, we recommit ourselves to the tasks at hand, and we look forward toward a bright future in service to our country,” said Amos.
During the ceremony the audience remembered service members who were prisoners of war along with those missing in action.
“It’s always important to remember our brothers who were not fortunate to be here with us tonight,” said Lance Cpl. Kevin Therkildsen, assigned to the MCSFBn Bangor.
The celebration featured a uniform procession where Marines showcased uniforms used by Sailors and Marines throughout their rich histories.
“It was definitely a neat way to learn about our past,” said Therkildsen.
At the conclusion of the ceremony Carlin asked all attending military spouses to stand.
“I want you to know we aren’t who we are without your support,” said Carlin. “You keep the house, our children and everything else in order so we can do our jobs and for that we thank you.”