On this day the 232nd Birthday of our beloved Corps

Let's start with an invocation.

Marine Corps Birthday Ball Invocation

Dear Heavenly Father,
What a privilege it is to be able to assemble here this evening,
To celebrate the birth of the United States Marine Corps.

Lord, thank you for the meal that has been prepared for us this evening.
May we always be faithful to our God, our families, our friends, and our Corps.
On this day the 232nd birthday of the Marine Corps,
We pray,
long live to the Marine Corps!"
In your Precious, Holy Name.

Semper Fi,
Amen

We follow that with the reading of General John A. Lejeune USMC Birthday message

General John A. Lejeune's Birthday Message

On November 1st. 1921, John A. Lejeune, 13th Commandant of the Marine Corps, directed that a reminder of the Corps be published by every command, to all Marines throughout the globe, on the birthday of the Corps. Since the day, Marines have continued to distinguish themselves on many battlefields and foreign shores, in war and peace. On this birthday of the Corps, therefore, in compliance with the will of the 13th Commandant, Article 38 United States Marine Corps Manual, Edition of 1921, is published as follows:

On November 10, 1775, a Corps of Marines was created by a resolution of the Continental Congress. Since that date many thousands of men have borne that 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.

The record of our Corps is one which bear comparison with that of the most famous military organizations in the world's history. During 90 of the 146 years of its existence the Marine Corps has been in action against the Nation's foes.

From the Battle of Trenton to the Argonne, Marines have won foremost honors in war and in the long era of tranquility at home generation after generation of Marines have grown gray in war in both hemispheres, and in every corner of the seven seas so that our country and its citizens might enjoy peace and security.

In every battle and skirmish since the birth of the Corps, Marines have acquitted themselves with the greatest distinction, winning new honors on each occasion until the term "Marine" has come to signify all that is highest in military efficiency and soldierly virtue.

This high name of distinction and soldierly repute we who are Marines today have received from those who preceded us in the Corps. With it we also received from them the eternal spirit which has animated our Corps from generation and has long been the distinguishing mark of Marines in every age.

So long as that spirit continues to flourish Marines will be found equal to every emergency in the future as they have been in the past, and the men of our nation will regard us as worthy successors to the long line of illustrious men who have served as "Soldiers of the Sea" since the founding of the Corps.

A Birthday message from the Commandant of the Marine Corps

Since the birth of our Nation, our liberty has been purchased by valiant men and women of deep conviction, great courage, and bold action; the cost has often been in blood and tremendous sacrifice. As America's sentinels of freedom, United States Marines are counted among the finest legions in the chronicles of war. Since 1775, Marines have marched boldly to the sounds of the guns and have fought fiercely and honorably to defeat the scourge of tyranny and terror. We are Marines, that is what we do.

In the words of President John F. Kennedy: "In the long history of the world, only a few generations have been granted the role of defending freedom in its hour of maximum danger." Magnificent heroes fought in the wheat fields of Belleau Wood, in the snows of the Chosin, and on the streets of Hue City. Your generation bears this obligation now, and it is borne on mighty and capable shoulders. Just like the Marines at Belleau Wood, we are once again engaged in sustained operations ashore. Just like at Belleau Wood, the Marines have been given the toughest sector and have prevailed over a resilient and determined enemy, who has made us pay for our gains. Once again, as in any struggle, the road ahead is far from certain, but as Marines, we are not dissuaded by the challenges of war or the tough conditions of a warrior's life. Indeed, we don't just accept our destiny, we shape it.

On our 232nd birthday, to every Marine, those still in uniform and those who have served honorably in the past, be proud of who you are and what you do. Know that your citizenship dues have been paid in full; you are part of this Nation's elite warrior class. Cherish our families who offer marvelous support, abiding resolve, and steadfast patience. Remember those who have served and those who have fallen, their names are chiseled on the roll call of America's heroes. Those who have carried the battle colors of our Corps have forged our heritage, and today's generation of leathernecks chart our future. Carry the colors with pride; carry them with honor.

Happy birthday, Marines!

Semper Fidelis,
James T. Conway
General, U.S. Marine Corps

Here's a visual 232nd Marine Corps Birthday message from General James T. Conway, Commandant of the Marine Corps.

The cake ceremony would take place here,

Traditionally and Regardless of location, Marines pause to observe our birthday by sharing a cake and usually, a holiday meal. A sword is used to cut the cake as a reminder that we are a band of warriors, committed to carrying the sword, so that our nation may live in peace.

The first piece of cake is presented to the Guest of Honor. The second piece is presented to the oldest Marine in the command, signifying the honor and respect accorded to experience and seniority.

Symbolically, the eldest Marine present passes a piece of cake to the youngest Marine present, just as for years our experienced Marines have nurtured and led young Marines that will fill our ranks and renew our Corps.

That followed by our eating and drinking,
And many toasts to the Marine Corps

A toast to the Corps
Would take place here.
"For the honor of the fallen, for the glory of the dead", Edgar Guest wrote of Belleau Wood, "The living line of courage kept the faith and moved ahead." They are all gone now, those Marines who made a French farmer's little wheat field into one of the most enduring of Marine Corps legends. Many of them did not survive the day. But their action has made them immortal. The Corps remembers them and honors what they did, and so they live forever.

The Marines' Hymn

From the halls of Montezuma
To the shores of Tripoli,
We fight our country's battles
In the air', on land, and sea.

First to fight for right and freedom,
And to keep our honor clean,
We are proud to claim the title
Of United States Marine.

Our flags unfurl'd to every breeze
From dawn to setting sun';
We have fought in every clime and place
Where we could take a gun.

In the snow of far-off northern lands
And in sunny tropic scenes,
You will find us always on the job,
The United States Marines.

Here's health to you and to our Corps
Which we are proud to serve;
In many a strife we've fought for life
And never lost our nerve.

If the Army and the Navy
Ever look on Heaven's scenes,
They will find the streets are guarded
By United States Marines.

What we are really celebrating this day

A poem by Cpl Robert L. Cook USMC and being used here with his permission.

The vision of Marines landing on the beach on Tarawa that Cpl. Robert L. Cook has given us. Through his poem we can see the Espirit De Corps that the essence of our beloved Corps. It also affords us to see the fighting spirit of each individual Marine trying to his best.

If you liked reading that poem, Cpl Robert L. Cook has a book.

POEMS by a Marine, For the Marines and All Those that hold them in Esteem.

Another reason of what we are celebrating on this day, Marines doing their duty in Afghanistan and Iraq and other posts around the world. Like all wars, poetry, rather war poetry is starting to surface.

This Marine writes great poetry, during a time of war, I'm not sure if Jimmy Li would appreciate me labeling his poems war poetry. But he writes like other war poets have done before him, Siegfried Sassoon and Wilfred Owen to name a few.
Semper Fidelis,
Jimmy Li,
you make us proud

We would like to close with this

Dear Heavenly Father,
Please look over,
Our "brothers and sisters" Marines,
Who are now stationed in far away places,
Facing the dangers of war,
In your Precious, Holy Name,
We pray,
Amen