Marine Corps Ball 2012 – Fort Belvoir

This past Friday night Tommy, a couple of friends, and I went to the 237th Marine Corps Ball for the Fort Belvoir Marine Detachment in Virginia.

Both Tommy and his friend served as Marines from 2001 – 20006 ,so going to this year’s Marine’s annual birthday celebration was extra special to them. The last Marine Corps Ball either of them had been to was six years ago in their respective Embassy Guard posts (Tommy in Cairo, Egypt and his friend in The Hague, Netherlands).

Before dinner was the Arrival of the Official Party, the Invocation and Ceremony.

As some of you might know, the Marine Corps is built heavily on traditions. One of the traditions I really like is each year at Marine Corps Balls all over the world, the oldest Marine present at the ball eats a piece of the birthday cake and then passes a piece along to the youngest Marine at the ball. This symbolizes the passing of experience and tradition through the Corps. At this ball the youngest Marine was born in 1993. Lord, we felt old!

The ceremony was followed by dinner and then dancing and celebrating. It was a great site to see so many of the Marines in the detachment dancing their hearts out and having a good time together.

Cheers to a great night. Marines, Happy Birthday, and thank you so much for your service!