Photo By Cpl. Jackeline Perez Rivera | Color Guards from units throughout Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune present the flag...... read more read more
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CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. - The community aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune recognized the Marine Corps Birthday with the Joint Daytime Ceremony, at Liversedge Field aboard the installation, Nov. 5.
Participants and guests joined to commemorate 239 eventful years, in which the Marine Corps has given meaning and strength to the motto ‘Semper Fidelis,’ said Capt. Kristin Dalton, the event’s narrator and public affairs officer with Marine Corps Installations East.
"It is fitting that we recall those Marines who have gone before us, who molded the tradition of courage and honor which we cherish now," Dalton, a native of Flemington, New Jersey, added.
The annual observance not only marked the Corps’ 239th birthday, but displayed the history and the heritage that distinguishes the Marine Corps among the armed forces.
It is a history Marines honor from the moment they enter, said Col. Yori Escalante, deputy commander for Marine Corps Installations East and Camp Lejeune.
"No other service celebrates their birthday the way the Marine Corps does," said Escalante, a native of Houston, Texas.
The ceremony featured music from the 2nd Marine Division Band, and troops from units throughout the installation participating in color guards, a rifle firing detail and a historical pageant.
The historical uniform pageant featured some of today’s newest Marines, students at Marine Corps Combat Support Service School, wearing the uniforms of the past, including the garb worn in 1775 by the nation’s first Marines and those who served in the battle of Chapultepec, the Banana Wars, World War I and II, as well as the uniforms worn throughout the Marine Corps today.
As each pageant participant entered the ceremony, the narrator detailed the history of each time period, highlighting the challenges the Marines faced.
The 2nd Marine Division Band juxtaposed traditional patriotic tunes, such as ‘God Bless America,’ with more modern music, like ‘Paint It Black’ to set the tone for each landmark of Marine Corps history.
The ceremony also included a cake cutting ceremony, where the youngest Marine was presented with a piece of cake by the oldest Marine, representing the passage of knowledge throughout generations.
The size and scope of the ceremony was incredible, Escalante said.
"Having a ceremony this size is tremendous," Escalante said.
Dozens of Marines from more than 20 units took part in the ceremony.
Lance Cpl. Taylor Lewis, a participant in the ceremony and New Orleans native, came to value his role in the event.
"I loved coming out here celebrating," said Lewis.
Lance Cpl. Francisco Selvas, who also participated in the event, used the opportunity to showcase the discipline Marines have through the close order drill performed in the ceremony, he said.
Selvas appreciated the opportunity to be a part of something bigger than himself by playing a role in the event, he added.
While the Marine Corps is known for its prowess in combat, Selvas, a native of Lafayette, Indiana, was glad to be able to show another important aspect of the Marine Corps, skill and discipline as a part of the ceremony, he said.
Charles Jeffers, a spectator and Vietnam-era Marine veteran, recalled witnessing and being a part of ceremonies like the Joint Daytime Ceremony decades ago, during his 10 years of service.
"I think this is great," the Crossett, Arkansas, native said. The Marine Corps is here to stay. I hope to see our traditions continue."
| Date Taken: | 11.13.2014 |
| Date Posted: | 12.09.2014 19:15 |
| Story ID: | 149870 |
| Location: | CAMP LEJEUNE, NC, US |
| Hometown: | CROSSETT, AR, US |
| Hometown: | FLEMINGTON, NJ, US |
| Hometown: | HOUSTON, TX, US |
| Web Views: | 56 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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