Marines Celebrate 235th Birthday Of The CorpsOn the day before Veterans Day, the U.S. Marine Corps celebrates its birthday every Nov. 10.
This year, the Marine Corps celebrated its 235th birthday.
Staff Sgt. Michael S. Archer, the United States Marine Corps recruiter representing the high schools of Warsaw, Wawasee, Plymouth, Argos, Triton and Tippecanoe Valley, went to Fort Wayne Wednesday afternoon with some area recruits to celebrate the occasion.
The birthday is marked with a birthday cake-cutting ceremony.
According to information provided by Archer, "The Marine Corps cake cutting ceremony is one of our time-honored traditions in garrison, in the field, and in combat. One of the most important elements of the ceremony is the traditional recognition of the oldest and youngest Marines present.
"The commander cuts the cake and hands the first piece of cake to the guest of honor. Then the commander hands the second piece of cake to the oldest Marine present as a sign of honor and respect to experience and seniority. After taking a bite, the oldest Marine passes the second piece of cake, and a clean fork, directly to the youngest Marine present. This action symbolizes the passing of wisdom, knowledge, and experience, as well as trust and confidence in those who will continue to carry on our Marine Corps traditions."
Before leaving for the ceremony, Archer said the ceremony also includes the reading of the Marine prayer, Commandant General James Amos' birthday message and General John A. Lejeune's birthday message.
After the birthday cake-cutting ceremony, the Marine Corps hymn is sung.
Area Marine recruits Adam Glandon, Tim Beatty, Tim Hardy, Thunder Olsen, Logan Brock, Casey Davis, Erik Sheets and Tyler Vermillion all traveled with Archer to the ceremony Wednesday.
Archer's office is at 2608 Sheldon St., Warsaw, next to Wings Etc. Contact him at 574-267-2604 (office); 574-320-7287 (cell); 574-267-2046 (fax) or SSgtArcher@gmail.com (e-mail) to schedule an appointment. He also can be found on Facebook.
