Programs and Events

The 231st Marine Ball, Wellington

November 4, 2006

 

The Marines during the ceremony at the Marine Ball in Wellington. Larger photo.

U.S. Marine Corps Birthday Ball History

November 10, 1775 was the officially celebrated birthday of the United States Marine Corps.  On this date, the Continental Congress passed a resolution that formed two battalions of Continential Marines.  This amendment was drafted in a bar named Tun Tavern in Philadelphia, the birthplace of the Marine Corps.

Formal commemorations of the birthday of the Marine Corps begin on 10 November 1921.  General Lejeune, the 13th Commandant, 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.  To this day, this order has been duly carried out.

Each November, regardless of location, Marines pause to continue the long standing tradition of celebrating the birth of their Corps.  Such celebrations are carried out with respect, diligence, and reverence, as the celebration is as much to do with paying homage to the thousands of former Marines who have served since its inception.

Today, there are 149 Marine Security Guard Detachments stationed around the world at selected U.S. diplomatic posts.  Each November, the Marines at these detachments host a Marine Corps Birthday Ball.  This formal ball is widely recognized as the “must-attend” diplomatic event of the year, and includes a formal flag posting ceremony, a cake-cutting ceremony, guest speakers, dinner, and dancing.

The Marine Security Guard Detachment held the 2006 Marine Corps Birthday Ball on November 4, 2006 at the Duxton Hotel in Wellington, New Zealand.

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