Brave ... and so cute, too.
One of the greatest benefits of living abroad is learning to truly appreciate the blessings we enjoy in the United States—one of those being our outstanding armed forces, especially the Marine Corps. The Marine Corps mission in Lagos is to protect U.S. diplomatic personnel and properties in Lagos, including the consulate and the consulate general's residence. Last night, Michael and I had the great privilege of celebrating the Marine Corps' 236th birthday at the Lagos Civic Centre with some friends and colleagues.
The official birthday of the United States Marine Corps, on November 10, 1775, was when the Second Continental Congress decreed "that two battalions of Marines be raised consisting of one Colonel, two lieutenant-colonels, two majors and other officers, as usual in other regiments..."
The birthday became a formal celebration in 1921 when Marine Commandant John A. Lejeune declared a Marine Corps holiday with Marine Corps Order 47, which reads in part, "On November 10, 1775, a Corps of Marines was created by a resolution of Continental Congress. Since that date many thousand men have borne the name 'Marine'. In memory of them it is fitting that we who are Marines should commemorate the birthday of our corps by calling to mind the glories of its long and illustrious history."
This order was read last night amid many shouts of "Hoo-rah!" by the Marines in the audience, and was followed by the cake-cutting ceremony. By tradition, the first slice of cake is given to the oldest Marine present, who in turn hands it off to the youngest Marine present, symbolizing the old and experienced Marines passing their knowledge to the new generation of Marines. The oldest Marine present was born in the 1940s. The youngest Marine was 21 (he looked younger to me!). As 2011 is also the 60th anniversary of Pearl Harbour and the 10th anniversary of 9/11, there was also a somber video presentation on the Marine Corps' role in those attacks that had me blinking back tears.
The official birthday of the United States Marine Corps, on November 10, 1775, was when the Second Continental Congress decreed "that two battalions of Marines be raised consisting of one Colonel, two lieutenant-colonels, two majors and other officers, as usual in other regiments..."
The birthday became a formal celebration in 1921 when Marine Commandant John A. Lejeune declared a Marine Corps holiday with Marine Corps Order 47, which reads in part, "On November 10, 1775, a Corps of Marines was created by a resolution of Continental Congress. Since that date many thousand men have borne the name 'Marine'. In memory of them it is fitting that we who are Marines should commemorate the birthday of our corps by calling to mind the glories of its long and illustrious history."
This order was read last night amid many shouts of "Hoo-rah!" by the Marines in the audience, and was followed by the cake-cutting ceremony. By tradition, the first slice of cake is given to the oldest Marine present, who in turn hands it off to the youngest Marine present, symbolizing the old and experienced Marines passing their knowledge to the new generation of Marines. The oldest Marine present was born in the 1940s. The youngest Marine was 21 (he looked younger to me!). As 2011 is also the 60th anniversary of Pearl Harbour and the 10th anniversary of 9/11, there was also a somber video presentation on the Marine Corps' role in those attacks that had me blinking back tears.
Following the pomp and circumstance, it was all party. The ladies and I hit the dance floor and the men soon followed because, as Michael said, you don't want to leave your wife alone on the dance floor at a Marine ball... she will find a partner soon enough.
Happy Birthday, Marines. Hoo-rah!
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