Photo By Staff Sgt. Patrick Moes | Camp Arifjan, Kuwait (November 10, 2006)-- Master Gunnery Sgt. Anthony M. Sloane reads...... read more read more
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by Staff Sgt. Patrick N. Moes
40th Public Affairs Detachment
CAMP ARIJAN, Kuwait (November 10, 2006) --Traditions are made from passing stories, ideas and beliefs down from generation to generation.
For members of the U.S. Marine Corps, traditions reunite all those who have ever been able to call themselves a Marine. By continuing to pass the customs down from one Marine to another the spirit of the Marines lives on.
The spirit was alive and well Friday as more than 200 people gathered together to celebrate a birthday at Camp Arifjan, Kuwait.
It was a celebration to honor the Marine Corps which turned 231 years old. Marines past and present rejoiced upon its history and looked toward the future.
"The Marine Corps is always growing stronger, wiser and more knowledgeable," said Lance Cpl. Luis Flores, 20, the youngest Marine in attendance.
As the youngest Marine, Flores was a major part of the ceremony. He was a part of the time-honored tradition of having the oldest Marine pass the cake to the youngest Marine. The ritual marks the symbolic passing of experience, traditions and expertise from old to new, said Maj. Andrew Thompson, a liaison officer with U.S. Marine Forces Central Command in Kuwait.
The oldest Marine for the ceremony was 1st Sgt. Nathaniel Page of the Marine Expeditionary Unit Augmentation Program who transferred his ideas to Flores thus keeping the honor of the Marines alive for years to come.
The birthday represents one of many traditions the Marine Corps honors.
"It's always important to honor traditions while deployed," said Thompson. "It reinforces the esprit de core and helps [the Marines] focus on what [the Marines] do.
"Whether there are two Marines in a [foxhole] or a large group together, Marines will celebrate our birthday," added Thompson.
Being deployed to the Middle East means the traditions and birthday mean a little more to our Marines, said Thompson. "Everyone takes things a little more serious here."
Although the ceremony was conducted far from the safety and security of American soil, the Marines in Kuwait carried on supporting the traditions of service.
"It feels good to be a part of something so big," said Flores, an El Paso, Texas, native. "They have been around for so long."
Flores added "it's an honor to be a Marine, especially the youngest [at the birthday]."
| Date Taken: | 11.10.2006 |
| Date Posted: | 11.13.2006 11:42 |
| Story ID: | 8247 |
| Location: |
| Web Views: | 237 |
| Downloads: | 141 |
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