Marine Corps celebrates 235th birthday
Symbolizing passage — The cake was cut by tradition of passage during the Marine Corps’ 235th birthday celebration.
A fellow Marine veteran nudged Steve Bozeman as the two men stood silently in a moment of remembrance for those fallen. Immediately understanding the signal, Bozeman removed his veteran cap adorned with honors and pins he had received in many years of service.
Former Vietnam crew chief and door gunner Bozeman, along with other veterans and active soldiers from the Marine Corps and its sister services, gathered Wednesday to celebrate the 235th birthday of the Marine Corps.
“This is the fifth annual School of Law Marine Corps birthday celebration,” Associated Academic Dean of the School of Law Jeffrey C. Tuomala said.
Tuomala began the tradition at Liberty, but the inception of the Marine Corps has been celebrated worldwide since the first Marine Corps birthday celebration ball in Philadelphia, Penn., in 1923, according to Liberty’s Vice President for Outreach and Strategic Partnerships Dr. Barry N. Moore.
“I love these things because we’re always among friends,” Moore said.
After Tuomala recognized attending members of the Marine Corps as well as the Army, Navy, Air Force and Coast Guard, Moore gave a brief history of the origin of the Marine Corps.
Started by Philadelphia tavern owner Samuel Nicholas in 1775, the Marine Corps rose from simple beginnings to create an illustrious history at the forefront of major battles.
“There was free beer, and once the men had their fill to drink, they signed up,” Moore said.
Following the national Marine Corps birthday tradition, Major General Commandant John A. Lejeune’s birthday message was read.
“On November 10, 1775, a Corps of Marines was created by a resolution of Continental Congress. Since that date many thousand men have borne the name ‘Marine.’ In memory of them, it is fitting that we who are Marines should commemorate the birthday of our corps by calling to mind the glories of its long and illustrious history,” Lejuene’s message said.
The cake cutting part of the ceremony originated in 1952 and involves the cake being cut by a saber, Tuomala said.
After receiving the first piece, the oldest Marine in attendance gave it to the youngest, symbolizing the passing on of knowledge from the older to the younger generation.
The playing of the Navy and Marine hymns concluded the ceremony for refreshments and fellowship.