Photo By Andrew Miller | The colors are marched on during the Combat Logistics Battalion 1 Marine Corps...... read more read more
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CAMP DWYER, Helmand province, Afghanistan – Even in Afghanistan the Juggernauts of Combat Logistics Battalion 1 gathered together to celebrate 236 years of honor, courage and commitment during the Marine Corps birthday ceremony here, Nov. 10.
The birthday celebration is conducted on or about this day annually by Marines all across the globe.
Even though the members of CLB-1 find themselves in the heart of a combat zone, the Marine Corps birthday is not easily forgotten. It has evolved over the years, just like the Corps itself, from non existent into the most celebrated event of the year.
The Marine Corps birthday was not even officially recognized or celebrated until almost 46 years after the birth of the Corps. According to the Marine Corps History Branch:
“On 21 October 1921, Maj. Edwin McClellan, Officer-in-Charge, Historical Section, Headquarters Marine Corps, sent a memorandum to Major General Commandant John A. Lejeune, suggesting that the original birthday on 10 November 1775 be declared a Marine Corps holiday to be celebrated throughout the Corps. Major McClellan further suggested that a dinner be held in Washington D.C., to commemorate the event. Guests would include prominent men from the Marine Corps, Army, and Navy, and descendants of the Revolution.
Accordingly, on 1 November 1921, Maj. Gen. Lejeune issued Marine Corps Order No. 47, Series 1921. The order summarized the history, mission, and tradition of the Corps, and directed that it be read to every command on 10 November each subsequent year in honor of the birthday of the Marine Corps. This order has been duly carried out.”
(Major General John A. Lejeune's Birthday Message)
Following suit with ceremonies held stateside and other places where Marines are stationed around the globe, the ceremony began with an invocation, given by Navy Lt. Jason Gregory, CLB-1 chaplain, the marching on of the colors and the playing of the National Anthem.
Next was a reading of birthday messages from Gen. James F. Amos, Commandant of the Marine Corps, and Brig. Gen. Michael Dana, 2nd Marine Logistics Group commanding general.
The cake was marched on following the reading of the messages. The traditional cake cutting ceremony symbolizes the passing of knowledge and experience from one generation of Marines to the next.
The first piece of cake was given to the oldest Marine present, Master Gunnery Sgt. David M. Jacobs. The 48-year-old enlisted in April 1985 and is the operations chief for CLB-1.
After taking the first bite, Jacobs passed the cake to the youngest Marine present, Lance Cpl. Travis C. Barber. The 19-year-old enlisted in Feb. 2011 and is an electrician with CLB-1. Barber, who has only been in the Marine Corps for almost a year and a half, has spent one month in Afghanistan.
“It was motivating to see the master guns pass off that piece of cake to the new Marine Corps from the old Marine Corps,” said Barber, a native of Greenville, Penn. “This brings to mind that there are a lot of senior Marines around me every day who I hope I can learn a lot from out here.”
Following the cake cutting, Lt. Col. Brian H. Kane, CLB-1 commanding officer, took the microphone to say a few words. He spoke about the history and tradition of the Corps and the importance of the operations in which the battalion is currently involved.
He then challenged his Marines and sailors to focus on the meaning of one word in particular.
“Family: A group of individuals united by cause and conviction,” Kane said referring to the way Marines fight and win America’s wars. “Today is a day of reflection and a time to be proud to be a part of that larger family. Be proud of what you stand for.”
Editor’s note: CLB-1 is in direct support of Regimental Combat Team 5, 2nd Marine Division (Forward), which heads Task Force Leatherneck. The task force serves as the ground combat element of Regional Command (Southwest) and works in partnership with the Afghan National Security Forces and the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan to conduct counterinsurgency operations. The unit is dedicated to securing the Afghan people, defeating insurgent forces and enabling ANSF assumption of security responsibilities within its area of operations in order to support the expansion of stability, development and legitimate governance.
| Date Taken: | 11.10.2011 |
| Date Posted: | 11.11.2011 02:16 |
| Story ID: | 79888 |
| Location: | CAMP DWYER, AF |
| Web Views: | 828 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, CLB-1 celebrates 236th Marine Corps birthday in Afghanistan, by Andrew Miller, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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