Photo By Cpl. Alissa Schuning | Col. Jason Woodworth, commanding officer of Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, speaks...... read more read more
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MARINE CORPS AIR STATION MIRAMAR, Calif. - Marine Corps Air Station Miramar and 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing celebrated the 240th Marine Corps birthday with a traditional cake-cutting ceremony aboard MCAS Miramar, California, Nov. 10.
In 1775, the Continental Congress approved the resolution for two battalions of Marines to be raised to protect the newly-formed Navy. However, it wasn’t until Gen. John A. Lejeune became commandant of the Marine Corps that the Marines began to celebrate the birthday of the Corps with traditions such as the cake-cutting ceremony.
“Traditions like these reaffirm for the Marines the values of the Marine Corps,” said Maj. Gen. Michael Rocco, commanding general of 3rd MAW. “It connects us with our past while helping us march into the future by reminding us that we are a part of something larger than ourselves.”
During the ceremony, Rocco cut the cake with the Mameluke sword as a reminder that the Marines are a band of warriors, dedicated to carrying the sword, so that the nation may live in peace.
After cutting the cake, the first piece is traditionally given to the guest of honor. Then, the oldest Marine present at the ceremony takes a bite of the cake and passes it to the youngest Marine. This tradition symbolizes the passing of wisdom from one generation to another.
During his speech, Rocco encouraged his fellow Marines to remember, reflect and reach out. He asked for them to remember their history, reflect on their fellow Marines who are separated from their families, and reach out to Marines who may be struggling or they have lost touch with during the years.
“I would also ask you to reach out to your families and loved ones,” added Col. Jason Woodworth, commanding officer of MCAS Miramar. “Thank them for what they did for you that helped put you in the position to be standing here today surrounded by your fellow service members on our birthday.”
According to Rocco, the birthday balls and ceremonies Marines attend to celebrate the years of the Corps are intended to remind them of their past.
“When we put on this uniform, we represent all of the Marines who have come and gone over our 240 year history,” said Rocco. “I think it’s important for our young Marines to understand that.”
| Date Taken: | 11.10.2015 |
| Date Posted: | 11.10.2015 19:24 |
| Story ID: | 181649 |
| Location: | MARINE CORPS AIR STATION MIRAMAR, CA, US |
| Hometown: | SAN DIEGO, CA, US |
| Web Views: | 105 |
| Downloads: | 2 |
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