TWENTYNINE PALMS, Calif. - Marines with Company A, 1st Tank Battalion, celebrated the 239th birthday of the United States Marine Corps aboard Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, California, Nov. 4, 2014.
The tankers also commemorated the 73rd birthday of the unit, which occurred Nov. 1.
Captain Christopher Upton, the company commander, said, “We got together to celebrate the birthday of the Marine Corps in conjunction with the birthday of the tank battalion.”
The Marines made time between two field operations during the Integrated Training Exercise during which they were tasked with heavy armored operations.
Due to a busy training schedule in support of ITX, this was the last opportunity the Marines would have to be in the same place during this particular exercise, so it was essential to make sure the Marines got to celebrate it as a family.
“It’s important to remember the Marines that went before us who can’t be here today. Also celebrating our traditions builds that sense of camaraderie and esprit de corps we have in the Marine Corps,” said Upton.
Upton also said the younger generation of Marines must be instilled with the values and traditions passed down over the Corps’ history by celebrating the Marines Corps birthday.
The Marines of Alpha Co. huddled around the hood of a Humvee to receive the birthday speech and observe the tradition of cutting the birthday cake. The cake was decorated with the battalion’s unit patch and the 1st Marine Division’s blue diamond logo.
Traditionally, the oldest Marine in attendance cuts the cake and passes it on to the youngest Marine, symbolizing a passing of traditions through generations. Lance Cpl. Nino Toigo, a driver in the unit, was the youngest Marine while Upton was the oldest Marine present.
Chief Warrant Officer 2 Finley Steel, an Australian tank leader currently operating with Co. A, 1st Tank Bn., said, “It’s a very proud moment for this group of Marines and it’s an honor and privilege to be able to share it with this brotherhood of men.”
No matter the clime or place, Marines will always ensure the birthday of the Marine Corps is recognized to promote the long-standing traditions of the Corps.