Bolden students celebrate Marine Corps Birthday

Photo By Tech. Sgt. John Wilkes | Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort - Military children throughout the Tri-Command celebrated the 238th Anniversary of the Marine Corps during a cake cutting ceremony held at Bolden Elementary Middle School aboard Laurel Bay, Nov. 7.  

MARINE CORPS AIR STATION BEAUFORT, SC, UNITED STATES

11.18.2013

Story by Lance Cpl. Brendan Roethel 

Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort

MARINE CORPS AIR STATION BEAUFORT, S.C. - Military children throughout the Tri-Command celebrated the 238th Anniversary of the Marine Corps during a cake cutting ceremony held at Bolden Elementary Middle School aboard Laurel Bay, Nov. 7.

Cake cutting ceremonies are a time honored tradition which Marines all over the world use to symbolize the Corps’ Birthday. The event, which was also held at Galer and Elliot Elementary Schools aboard Laurel Bay, provided students with an opportunity to see and learn about Marine Corps traditions and what they mean.

During the ceremony, the oldest student, Montaney McGinnis, passed down the first piece of cake to the youngest student, Kaiyah McLeod.

"I liked the event, it gave us a chance to show respect to the Marines," McGinnis said. "I learned a lot about the traditions of the ball and veterans day."

The tradition of passing the cake from the oldest to the youngest Marine symbolizes the passing of experience from one Marine to the next.

"Marines are the reason we are here," said Vicky Parr, the principal of Bolden Elementary. "It’s important that children understand what their parents do."

Gunnery Sgt. Diana Bacolod, an aviation supply staff noncommissioned officer in charge for Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 31, organized the ceremony, color guard and birthday message reading.

"This event is put on to give students a peek into the ball," Bacolod said. "This ceremony provides children an opportunity to see some of the customs and traditions their parents take part in by being in the Corps. This allows children to better understand their parents and brings them closer with their parents and each other."

• Date Taken: 11.18.2013
• Date Posted: 11.18.2013 08:14
• Story ID: 116921
• Location: MARINE CORPS AIR STATION BEAUFORT, SC, US