CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan – The Marine Corps Birthday is an honored day for Marines and each year time is set aside to celebrate the traditions and legacy of the Corps.
Although forward deployed, the Marines of 3rd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment celebrated the 238th Marine Corps Birthday Nov. 10 by conducting the traditional cake-cutting ceremony at Camp Leatherneck in Helmand province.
The Marine Corps Birthday is a time honored tradition when past and present generations of Marines gather to celebrate the storied history of the Marine Corps. The cake-cutting ceremony symbolizes the passing of responsibility from one generation of Marines to another.
During the ceremony, the Marines stood in formation as Captain Matthew Speers, the India Company commanding officer, cut the birthday cake using a K-bar knife.
A K-Bar was used to cut the cake as a reminder that Marines are warriors, committed to carrying the sword, so that our nation may live in peace, said Staff Sgt. David Seros, a communication electronics chief serving with 3/7.
Speers served as the guest of honor for the ceremony, and per tradition, was given the first piece of cake.
The next piece of cake was presented to the oldest Marine present, which signifies experience and seniority.
The eldest Marine with 3/7 at Camp Leatherneck was Master Gunnery Sgt. Robert P. Brown, the operations chief for the battalion. Brown is a 43-year-old native of Rochester, N.H.
“The eldest Marine passes a piece of cake to the youngest Marine present, just as for 238 years our experienced Marines have mentored and led young Marines that will fill our ranks and renew our Corps,” said Seros.
The youngest Marine at Camp Leatherneck was Lance Cpl. Aaron Briggs, a rifleman serving with India Co. Briggs is a 19-year-old native of Kingsport, Tenn.
After the birthday ceremony was completed, the Marines enjoyed a slice of cake.
“Every Marine celebrates the Marine Corps birthday, but I think being forward deployed allows Marines to cherish that moment even more,” said Sgt. Maj. Rafael Rodriguez, the battalion sergeant major. “While we are out here in a combat zone, the Marines reinforce that esprit de core while building on the great legacy of the Marine Corps.”