Grissom Marines celebrate 239th birthday with USMC birthday ball Published Dec. 8, 2014 By Staff Sgt. Ben Mota 434th ARW Public Affairs GRISSOM AIR RESERVE BASE, Ind. -- U.S. Marines have a long-established history of heritage and traditions that are passed down through generations, but one stands out more than others and is celebrated with a birthday ball. The Marine Corps reservists of Detachment One, Communications Company, Combat Logistics Regiment 45, 4th Marine Logistics Group attended U.S. Marine Corps 239th birthday ball in Kokomo, Ind. Nov. 15. "The Marine Corps Ball is a traditional event that celebrates our heritage and honors those who have served before us and are continuing to serve," said Capt. Timothy Chun, Detachment One inspector instructor. "It's an annual reminder of our loyalty to each other and to our nation, our legacy." That tradition dates back to the time when the American Colonies were developing and a committee of Continental Congress met in Philadelphia to draft a resolution calling for two battalions of Marines. That resolution was approved on November 10, 1775, officially forming the Continental Marines and the birthday of the US Marine Corps. "The ball is our way of remembering were we come from and how we grew to be who we are today," Chun said. The tradition of the ball dates back to 1925 and was formalized in the Marine Drill manual in 1956. The ball began with a social hour and was followed by the Marine Corps Birthday Message issued by the General Joseph Dunford Jr., Commandant of the Marine Corps, said Chun. The message originated in 1921 when the 13th Commandant of the Marine Corps, Lt. Gen. John A. Lejeune, issued Marine Corps Order No. 47. This order summarized the history, mission, and traditions of the Marine Corps and was to be read to all Marine commands throughout the world each year on Nov. 10. Marines take great pride in their tradition, and in doing so they believe tradition should be passed down - this is demonstrated with the Marine Corps ceremonial cutting of a birthday cake. "During the cake cutting, a piece of the cake goes to the oldest marine, and then that Marine gives the youngest Marine another piece," explained Chun. "This symbolizes passing of experience and knowledge from one generation to the next." All in all, Chun said that the Marine ball was a success with over 250 attendees. "Everyone had a great time, and we look forward to future Marine Corps Birthdays to come," he concluded. The United States Marine Corps Reserve Center at Grissom was officially opened in September 2003. It includes a vehicle maintenance facility, communications electronics maintenance facility, communications equipment storage facility, motor transport lot, supply warehouse, administrative offices and training areas. Grissom is not only home to Detachment One, but also the 434th Air Refueling Wing, the largest KC-135R Stratotanker unit in the Air Force Reserve Command, as well as three Army Reserve units. Stay connected with Grissom on Facebook and Twitter.
