US Marine Corps celebrates a grand ball
My good friend, US Ambassador Sung
Kim, invited me to be his guest at the 242nd Marine Corps Birthday Ball at the Ballroom of Okada Manila in Parañaque City, before I leave for Washington, D.C. where I will formally take up my post as Philippine Ambassador to the United States. I am looking forward to working with Ambassador Kim in making relations between our two nations stronger and more resilient in many areas that include trade and security, among others.
US Marine Corps Forces Pacific Commanding General Lt. Gen. David Berger welcomed guests that included Philippine Marine Corps Commandant Lt. Gen. Emmanuel Salamat, Philippine National Police Director General Ronald dela Rosa, members of the diplomatic corps as well as former and current Cabinet officials.
All over the world, members of the US Marine Corps (USMC) commemorate their “birthday” or the founding of the Marine Corps every Nov. 10, although celebrations are also held on different days in November. The Marine Ball started in 1921 when Gen. John
Lejeune, the 13th Commandant of the USMC, issued Order No. 47 summarizing the history, mission and tradition of the Corps. However, it was only in 1925 when the first formal ball was celebrated.
One of the traditional observances of the Marine Ball is the cake-cutting ceremony, where it has become customary for the first piece of cake to be presented to the oldest US Marine present while the second piece is presented to the youngest.