November 10, 2024
Cocktails at 18:00, Reception and Guest Speaker at 19:00, dinner to follow
The Pvt Charles J Shutt Detachment of the Marine Corps League will
open it's door to all Marines and Associate Members for this this ceremonial day.
ALL Marines in the Boston and surrounding communities, Shutt Marines, Shutt Associates and their guests
are welcomed to attend this Boston area Marine Corps Birthday Celebration.
There is a $25 charge per plate, choose steak or baked scrod. Formal dress expected for this traditional ceremony. Reservations required, please sign up at the bar.
CALL the Detachment with any questions and / or to verify times / activities.
Menu and Hours (times may change)
- 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 - Opening Ceremonies, guest speaker, then dinner and desert will be served with a catered menu
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.
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.