On November 9th, Essex County Leathernecks and guests met in Ticonderoga’s Knights of Columbus to celebrate the Marine Corps 249th birthday. Some members (those who could fit!) increased the festivities by dressing up in their dress blues. The attendees enjoyed dinner, cocktails, music and good company.
In Marine Corps tradition the birthday cake was displayed, flanked by the American and Marine Corps’ flags. The cake-cutting ceremony is significant to Marines. It is our annual renewal of our commitment to the Corps and it acknowledges the Corps’ commitment to our nations quest for peace and freedom worldwide.
All attendees stood for our National Anthem. Essex County Leathernecks continued to stand for the Marines’ hymn. After these observations, the Essex County Leathernecks implemented a somber yet honorable detachment practice. The detachment Commandant, Walter E. Peterson III sliced the first piece of cake with his Mameluke sword. The first slice of cake goes to the open seat (of honor) at the dining table to honor missing Marines. During this remembrance, members named all who’d passed.
The next slice of cake went to the oldest Marine present (John McDonald) and this slice to the youngest Marine present (Dillon Schlogl). The tradition of having the oldest Marine present pass the cake to the youngest Marine present symbolizes the passing of experience and knowledge from the old to the young of our Corps. The youngest Marine’s acceptance of the cake emphasizes the fact that we care for our young Marines before we look to our own needs. After we symbolically affirmed our traditions, all were offered a piece of cake.
On behalf of the detachment, the commandant awarded Fred Nadeau the Essex County Leathernecks Marine of the Year award. Fred was acknowledged for his exceptional commitment to the detachment and for his ability to sell raffle tickets in support of our Marine Corps League detachment fundraiser.
Next, attendees watched the annual birthday message from the Commandant of the Marine Corps to Marines. In addition, the commandant’s message which sets his vision and inspires us included, in part, reminds us:
“For 249 years, Marines have served as our Nation’s sentinels of freedom. As we celebrate our Corps’ birthday this year, I encourage all Marines to reflect on our legacy forged in blood on battlefields since 1775, and to rededicate ourselves to carrying that legacy untarnished into the future. Collectively, we who wear the Eagle, Globe, and Anchor have an obligation to uphold the ideals of self-discipline, warfighting proficiency, professionalism, and personal conduct that define what in means to be a Marine. I know you are all up to the task.” Eric M. Smith, General, U.S. Marine Corps, Commandant of the Marine Corps
At the conclusion of the birthday message the detachment’s Chaplain, Paul Tremblay read a few handwritten letters from local third grade school children. The children were assigned to write to a veteran. Some of these children did not have a veteran to write to, so they wrote to us.
The ceremony concluded with the detachment’s Treasurer, Clayton D. Menser Sr restoring an Essex County Leathernecks’ tradition – passing the mortar round (inert shell). If you want to know more about this tradition – attend the 250th celebration, where plans are already underway!
You cannot exaggerate about the Marines. They are convinced to the point of arrogance, that they are the most ferocious fighters on earth – and the amusing thing about it is that they are.
Kevin Keaney
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