In 1921, General John Archer Lejeune, 13th Commandant of the Marine Corps, initiated the tradition of publishing a reminder of honorable service to all Marine commands on the anniversary of the Corps birth.
Since then, the United States Marine Corps Birthday has been honored by its members every year by republishing General Lejeune’s reminder. Gradually, balls and banquets were added to the birthday celebration.
The first formal dance took place in 1923 at the Ft. Mifflin Marine Barracks in Pennsylvania. Mock battles, sporting events and races have occurred as well.
In 1925, the historic Benjamin Franklin Hotel hosted the first formal Marine Ball in honor of the 150th birthday of the Marine Corp. General Lejeune and Secretary of War Dwight Davis attended.
It was Commandant, General Lemuel C. Shepherd Jr. who brought even more tradition to the warriors always faithful and always loyal to each other, their country and their traditions. Beginning in 1952, the formal cake cutting ceremony began where the first piece goes to the oldest Marine present and the second piece to the youngest. This tradition is still practiced today.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MARINES! Semper fi! ..... Do or die!!
