Marine Corps celebrates 241 years of tradition

MCLB-ALBANY — Marine Corps Logistics Base-Albany hosted its annual Marine Corps birthday cake-cutting ceremony and uniform pageant on Tuesday to celebrate the 241st birthday of the Corps.

A traditional cake-cutting ceremony and the uniform pageant allowed Marines to showcase and highlight those who have gone before, as well as the past and present uniforms of those who have and currently are representing the Corps.

The tradition calls for the ceremonial birthday cake to be cut with a Mameluke sword by the installation’s commanding officer, in this case Col. James Carroll III. The first piece went to the oldest Marine present and was passed along to the youngest Marine present.

The oldest Marine present Tuesday was Sgt. Maj. Kenneth Agee, 48, the base’s sergeant major, who enlisted in the Corps on June 11, 1987. The youngest Marine present was Pfc. Mykerria Johnson, 19, who enlisted on Jan. 4.

Carroll, in his remarks, said the valor of the Marine Corps continues today and has contributed to the freedoms Americans currently enjoy.

“They fight for ideas and values, not just here but worldwide,” he said.

The colonel also noted the significance of the relationship between the base and the Southwest Georgia community. He said the work done on the installation has well-positioned the Corps for the future while also sending a message to the nation’s enemies.

“I am truly humbled to be a part of (the association) that is the United States Marine Corps,” Carroll said.

Marine Corps Commandant Gen. Robert B. Neller, in his annual birthday message, said all Marines are part of “an elite family of warriors,” no matter how long they have been in the Corps or the conflicts they have been engaged in.

He added that, since the Continental Congress stood up two battalions of Marines in 1775, there has been a strong focus in the Marine Corps toward discipline, professionalism, vigilance and military excellence — and that it maintains respect for traditions, heritage and taking care of each other.

“Wherever you are celebrating our Corps’ birthday this year, look around at the Marines beside you and remember the bonds forged in training, in garrison and in combat,” Neller said. “Take this time to reconnect.

“We are Marines for life. It’s our responsibility, our duty, to maintain and build upon the legacy of those who have gone before us. What we do today, guided by what we’ve learned from past generations, will determine the future of our Corps. So as we celebrate this 241st anniversary of our Corps, we also look ahead and prepare for the next success. Take pride in carrying our legacy forward.”

The Marine Corps’ inception was on Nov. 10, 1775. Since Nov. 1, 1921, by order of then-commandant Gen. John A. LeJeune, the birthday celebration has served as a reminder of the service of the Corps and its beginnings.