Happy 232nd Birthday Marine Corps.

I'll give my own details later, but for now, here's Ken's account of the evening. This is an email he sent out to some friends and family.

Happy 232nd Birthday, Marines!

Brooke and I attended the II Marine Expeditionary Force Ball last night here in Camp Lejeune. It was a big ball with an old-fashioned feel to it. The ball was held in the Goettge Field House (read really big gymnasium), and they dressed it up very nicely. These days, it is typical to hold the ball in some of the nicest hotels in the country in places like New York, Las Vegas, Myrtle Beach, and DC, but it was really nice to celebrate one "at home" in the gym like they did in the old days.

Our guest speaker was Lieutenant General Weber, Commanding General of MARFORCOM in Norfolk, and a fellow field artillery officer, native Texan, and Texas A&M alum. He delivered a great extemporaneous speech on the heels of the Commandant's message, which was played on video screens which were set up around the room. The Commandant's Birthday message is online on the Marine Corps' home page, and is one of the better messages I have heard.

There was good representation from my current unit, the 26th MEU, so even though this was a big ball, we had plenty of familiar faces around. Also, as it is a small Corps, we ran into many familiar faces from past tours. I noticed that there were many more family members and friends at this ball. I think it is a growing trend, as a wartime Birthday Ball is an opportunity for those warriors who are home to celebrate with loved ones and an opportunity for everyone to collectively honor our brothers and sisters who are currently forward.

Regardless of where or how a Marine spends a Marine Corps Birthday, it is a special day. Marines, pick up that phone today and wish your old buddy from boot camp a Happy 232nd Birthday.

Happy Brithday and Semper Fidelis!