Photo By Cpl. Angel Alvarado | U.S. Marines with Fleet Marine Force, Atlantic (FMFLANT), Marine Forces Command...... read more read more
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VIRGINIA BEACH CONVENTION CENTER, Va.— The Marine Corps ball has been claimed as a night to remember with a legacy that carries throughout generations of Marines. The formal event honors Marine Corps heritage established in 1921 when the 13th Commandant, General John A. Lejeune, issued Marine Corps Order No. 47, Series 1921. General Lejeune's order summarized the history, mission, and tradition of the warfighting organization. It further directed the order to be read to all Marines, each year on 10 November to honor the founding of the Marine Corps. Year after year, Marines, distinguished guests, and officials gather to celebrate…until the Covid-19 pandemic. In 2019 COVID-19 was discovered as the virus spread across the world. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) the respiratory disease spreads from person to person through coughs, sneezes, or talks. Due to its contagiousness, the CDC discouraged large gatherings and promoted social distancing. After 98 years of back to back tradition, the Marine Corps ball was put on an immediate halt.
Cpl. Dimitri J. Reynolds, a data systems analyst with Fleet Marine Force, Atlantic (FMFLANT), Marine Forces Command (MARFORCOM), Marine Forces Northern Command (MARFOR NORTHCOM), joined the Marine Corps on August 24th, 2020, during the height of the pandemic. He became a Marine during a period where he had to overcome not only the physical rigors but also the mental barriers because going home was no longer an option. During the pandemic a travel ban was put in place to alleviate the widespread of COVID-19. However, after two years of dedicated service, and the decline of COVID-19, he finally experienced his first Marine Corps ball and to his perspective, it was everything he anticipated.
“It was everything that I expected. I took photos and enjoyed the company of those that I worked with,” Reynolds continues, “We treated each other like brothers and sisters, because that's what we are.”
The first Marine Corps ball for FMFLANT, MARFORCOM, MARFOR NORTHCOM since COVID-19 took place on November 2nd, 2022. For some it was a new experience whereas others it was an honor to continue the tradition.
“I grew up in a military family so it wasn’t my first ball,” Lance Cpl. Carter Hays, a data systems analyst with FMFLANT, MARFORCOM, MARFOR NORTHCOM stated, “But regardless, I was still really looking forward to the pageant.”
The Marine Corps ball reaffirms the Marine Corps’s heritage. Prior to the ceremony, Marines dress in uniforms from each war to recognize the history and sacrifices Marines have made from the Civil War to Desert Storm. The pageant displays the weight each Marine carries when they wear their uniform today, and reestablishes the Marine Corps ethos of “One Team, One Fight”.
“I always look forward to the camaraderie that brings us all together.” Col. Kimberly A. Johnson, the assistant chief of staff for personnel and administration, with FMFLANT, MARFORCOM, MARFOR NORTHCOM, remarked, “Especially after not having it for three years. I am also retiring so I hold my last ball dear to my heart.”
The 247th U.S. Marine Corps ball became more than a night to remember. It became a celebration of tradition as well as a symbol that the Marine Corps will continue to keep fighting no matter the clime, place, or virus.
| Date Taken: | 11.09.2022 |
| Date Posted: | 11.09.2022 15:21 |
| Story ID: | 432985 |
| Location: | NORFOLK, VIRGINIA, US |
| Web Views: | 140 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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