249TH MARINE CORPS BIRTHDAY BALL
The Birthday Ball is the single largest event of the year. It gives a chance for spouses and sweethearts to get in their best ball gowns or suits and the Marine to step out in their coveted dress blues. It’s a time to cut loose and celebrate! Join us 9 November 2024 @ 5:00PM at the Georgetown Community Center (445 E Morrow St, Georgetown, TX 78626) to celebrate the 249th Marine Corps Birthday with tradition, food, and fun. Open to the public. We welcome all Marines, fellow service members (active, veteran, and retired), family, friends, and supporters to attend.
Birthday Traditions
Fallen Comrade/Missing Man Table
While not a part of all Marine Corps Birthday ceremonies, it is often included. A table set aside to honor those lost or missing in action. Each item on the table has a special meaning.
Birthday Messages
It is tradition to read the first birthday message from the 13th Commandant of the Marine Corps, General John A. Lejeune. The current Commandant's message is given by video, so all Marines may hear the inspiring words along with Marines in action around the globe.
Cake Cutting Ceremony
The cake cutting ceremony is the most important part of the evening’s traditions. From the cake being cut with a sword, to the piece being passed from the oldest Marine to the youngest, it is full of symbolism.
Attire
The Marine Corps Birthday Ball is a black-tie event. The attire of Marines, other services members, and civil guests should reflect the formal nature of the evening.
Marines, Other Service Members and Veterans
The appropriate uniform is Dress Blues, or Evening Dress uniforms. For other services you should wear the appropriate equivalent dress uniform from your respective branch. Veterans are authorized to wear their unform, provided they do so according to regulations - grooming standards etc.
Marine Corps League Members, and Other Veteran Organizations
The Marine Corps League Red blazer dress uniform and the Marine Corps League Evening Dress uniform are appropriate attire. Also just wearing the Marine Corps League cover would be appropriate. Other veteran organizations should wear their equivalent dress uniform.
Civilian Guests &
Veterans not Wearing a Uniform
Men should wear a Tuxedo or a dark suit and tie at a minimum. Veterans may want to add their miniature medals to their Tux. Ladies, this is your chance to get your man to dress up and your opportunity to dazzle in your finest dress or evening gown. Keep it classy.
The Marine Corps Ball is a formal elegant affair, but it is also a celebration and Marines like to have fun. With that said there are some things to keep in mind
Etiquette: Do's and Don'ts
Do's
-Do dress appropriately
-Do find your seats before the ceremony starts
-Do silence your cell phones
-Do be respectful of the ceremony & traditions
-Do follow the promotes to stand, sit, etc.
-Do drink responsibly
-Do make new friends
-Do join in singing the Marines Hymn
-Do enjoy yourself ad have fun
Don'ts
-Don't arrive late. The Marines will close when the ceremony starts
-Don't be disrespectful
-Don't interrupt the ceremony
-DO NOT enter the ceremony area of the ballroom during the ceremony. The Marines will be highly offended. Remember, they know how to yell, are trained to fight, and some will have swords!
Dancing & Fun
After dinner there will be music for dancing. Please enjoy the rest of the evening dancing, having cocktails, meeting the Marines and making new friends. The Ballroom will be open for fun until midnight. Pssst... You will likely find the Marines at the hotel bar afterward if you're up to it.
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