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2009 Marine Corps Birthday Ball

Hosted by the Pvt Charles J Shutt Detachment
215 Mt Auburn St., Watertown, MA (Directions here)

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November 10, 2009
Cocktails at 18:00, Dinner promptly at 19:00

The Pvt Charles J Shutt Detachment of the Marine Corps League will open it's door at noon for this ceremonial day.

ALL Marines in the Boston and surrounding communities, Active, Reserve or Veteran are welcomed to attend this Boston area Marine Corps Birthday Ball as guests of the Shutt Detachment.

There is no door charge for Marines, Members and their immediate families and guests. Proper attire expected for this traditional ceremony.

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Menu and Hours

• 12 Noon - Doors open at the Shutt Detachment for all Marines in the Boston area wishing to be part of the tradition. Crackers and cheese along with other items will be served as appetizers throughout the day.


• 18:00 - Cocktail hour begins, members and Detachment officers will be on hand to chew the rag about the Marine Corps past and present, answer any questions and enjoy the company of Marines till dinner.


• 19:00 - Dinner will be served, menu is as follows;

Baked ham with pineapple slices

Boneless Italian Chicken simmered in wine

Penne Pasta with homemade meatballs

Garden Salad with house dressing

Italian roasted potatoes

String beans as a vegetable

Bread and Butter

Strawberry Shortcake for Dessert

Coffee and Tea for those who wish

• 20:00 - The $5000 drawing will be held. If you did not purchase your ticket from Paul O'Reilly before the ball you may still have the opportunity by checking availability with Paul through the Shutt Detachment by phone or the Detachment Commandant, Dom Ricci, before the day of the Ball.

• Pictures from the 2007 Marine Corps Birthday Ball at the Shutt Detachment
• Pictures from the 2008 Marine Corps Birthday Ball at the Shutt Detachment

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What is the Marine Corps Birthday about?

One of the most famous Marine customs is the observance of the Marine Corps Birthday. Since 1921 the birthday of the Marine Corps has been officially celebrated each year on 10 November, since it was on this date in 1775 that Continental Congress resolved, "That two Battalions of Marines be raised...." Over the years the Marine Corps Birthday has been celebrated in a wide variety of ways, depending on the location and circumstances of the Marine units. The celebration involves the reading of an excerpt from the Marine Corps Manual and a birthday message from the Commandant; the cutting of a birthday cake by the commanding officer; and the presentation of the first and second pieces of cake to the oldest and youngest Marines present. Recently, the ceremony for the observance of the Marine Corps Birthday by large posts and stations has been incorporated into written directives. This tradition is carried out also by the Marine Corps League which made up primarily of Marine Veterans and Corpsmen who served in the FMF.

Marine Corps Birthday Ball is a special formal evening of tradition held every year around Nov. 10. Usually begins with a dinner or cocktail hour. When “Attention” is sounded, everyone rises and acts very respectful. Do not talk, drink, smoke, or lean on the table. The honor escort will come in first, then the guest of honor, followed by the playing of the National Anthem and the presentation of the Birthday Cake. The Commandant’s message is read, then the first piece of cake is given to the youngest Marine and the second piece to the oldest Marine present. This concludes the ceremony and the dancing/party usually begins.

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Courtesies

Courtesy to the Flag, National Anthem, and Marine Corps Hymn The Flag (“Colors”) and the National Anthem are a ever present part of our military environment and our life. Stand in respect for the Colors, during the National Anthem (with your right and over your heart), during the national anthems or other countries and the Marine Corps Hymn. Also, stand when Colors passing in review are six paces before you and remain standing until they are six paces past you. Stand at the first note of “Ruffles and Flourishes” (played when a General Officer is present). If in doubt, follow the lead of others around you.