Mt. Vernon Register-News

Local

November 1, 2009

Marine Corps ball to be held Saturday

By KANDACE MCCOY

kandace.mccoy@register-news.com

MT. VERNON — The Fourth Annual Marine Corps Birthday Celebration will be held Saturday at the Mt. Vernon VFW Post 1376, marking the 234th birthday of the Marine Corps.

“It’s the birth of the Marine Corps — formed Nov. 10, 1775,” said Ed Smith, USMC, and commanding officer of the Young Marines. “We celebrate that every year no matter what. It brings us back together as Marines to enjoy each other’s company and to think about our fallen comrades. You know the old saying, ‘Once a Marine, Always a Marine.’ And you are.”

The official recognition of the Marine Corps birthday came on Nov. 1, 1921, when Major General John A. Lejeune wrote Marine Corps Order No. 47, which summarized the history, mission and tradition of the Corps, and directed the order be read on Nov. 10 every year thereafter, according to information.

All branches of the military are invited to join in the celebration Saturday, Smith said, which will begin at 6 p.m. with a social hour. A ceremony will be held at 7 p.m. followed by music provided by Exit 69.

Dress attire will be formal and semi-formal; uniforms are recommended.

Tickets are $20, which includes social hour, ceremony, dinner, music and dancing. Various raffles and giveaways will also be available. Remaining proceeds will go to the Young Marines and the Mt. Vernon VFW Post 1376.

For tickets or further information, you may contact Smith at 214-0950, Sgt. Curtis Meadows, USMC, at 231-6868 or the VFW at 242-2430.

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