Photo By Gunnery Sgt. Leon Branchaud | Brigadier General Gregg P. Olson, Commanding General, Marine Forces Central Command...... read more read more
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MANAMA, Bahrain – This time of year is special to U.S. Marines everywhere. No matter where they are in the world, Marines wish each other a happy birthday.
In Bahrain, a group of Marines from Marine Corps Forces Central Command (MARCENT) celebrated with a formal Birthday Ball, complete with the traditional reading of the 13th commandant’s Birthday Message, a message from the current commandant and a cake cutting ceremony.
This year’s cake cutting had special meaning for one Marine, as it was his final ball as an active-duty Marine.
“Receiving the cake as the oldest Marine present was an honor. I reflected on the last 21 years of service to country and Corps and shared a meal with friends. This meant a lot to me as this will be my last ball as an active-duty Marine,” said CWO2 Carlos Tomkin, a MARCENT.
It is customary that two pieces of cake be cut during the ceremony; one for the guest of honor and one for the oldest Marine present who passes it on to the youngest Marine present, representing the old and experienced Marines passing their knowledge on to the newest generation of Marines.
The Deputy Commanding General and guest of honor addressed the crowd to conclude the official ceremony, leaving the evening open for all to socialize during and after dinner.
“I find the ball is just a great opportunity for Marines of all ranks to celebrate with one another and let loose. It's a chance to seize the moment with all your co-workers,” said Sgt. Lance Johnson, an Orlando, Fla native.
Sgt Maj. John McGovern, the Sergeant Major of the unit, said the event helps build Esprit de Corps.
“It is a time to enjoy the fellowship of Marines, tell stories and motivate each other. It is special, because as the evening continues the junior Marines become more confident and open up. This gives me an opportunity to see how much they care about the Corps,” said McGovern. “I know the future is in great hands.”
The Corps is another year older, and another page in its history has turned with another group of Marines building camaraderie, morale and celebrating together.
“The ball or birthday of the Corps is very important, as it reenergizes all of us. It reminds us of who we are; United States Marines,” said McGovern. “There are many that thought about becoming a Marine, but only those select few actually earn the title. To me the common bond that we, who are Marines past and present, share at the ball cannot be found or replicated at any other event like that of the Marine Corps birthday celebration.”
| Date Taken: | 11.12.2012 |
| Date Posted: | 11.13.2012 12:48 |
| Story ID: | 97698 |
| Location: | BH |
| Web Views: | 794 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Marines celebrate 237th Marine Corps Birthday in Bahrain, by Sgt Fenton Reese, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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