MARINE CORPS RECRUIT DEPOT SAN DIEGO, Calif. -- Marines, sailors, depot personnel and recruits gathered on Shepherd Memorial Drill Field here Nov. 10, to celebrate the Marine Corps’ 235th birthday with the annual Cake Cutting Ceremony and Uniform Pageant.
Traditionally, Marine Corps units across the globe have participated in the Marine Corps birthday celebration since 1921 when Lt. Gen. John A. Lejeune, the 13th Commandant, directed that a reminder be published to all Marines on the birthday of the Corps. Over the years, the celebration grew.
“This is a way to show that you are part of a family that will always stand behind you,” said Lance Cpl. Janeisha Taylor, administrative clerk, 3rd Battalion, Recruit Training Regiment. “Especially when you think that there is no one behind you, it will always be a Marine.”
In 1952, Gen. Lemuel C. Shepherd Jr., the 20th Commandant, formalized the directive. He is responsible for the Cake Cutting Ceremony that Marines know today.
As a preamble to the ceremony, from 4:30 p.m., Nov. 8 to 8 a.m., Nov. 10, Marines on the depot ran a mile for every year the Marine Corps has been in existence. Every ten minutes, a Marine ran a lap around the depot’s parade deck carrying the depot guidon. For the last three miles of the run, all service members formed in battalions and ran the last stretch.
The Cake Cutting Ceremony began with music played by Marine Band San Diego. The traditional ceremony continued with the benediction, the pageant, Lt. Gen. Lejeune’s birthday message and the cake cutting.
Depot Marines stood in formation while their fellow Marines participated in the uniform pageant displaying the historic uniforms of the Marine Corps – from the modern Marine Corps combat utility uniform to the leather-necked style of the revolutionary war.
“I was really honored to get the opportunity to be part of the pageant,” said Pfc. Dylan Riley, Basic Marine Platoon, RTR. “Not that many Marines get a chance to do something like this.”
Lt. Gen. John A. Lejeune’s message was read, followed by the commandant’s message. Maj. Gen. Ronald L. Bailey, commanding general, Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego and the Western Recruiting Region, addressed the audience about the importance of reflecting on the Corps’ history and core values of honor, courage and commitment. He concluded by wishing all Marines a happy birthday before cutting the ceremonial cake.
The first piece of cake was given to the oldest Marine present, Col. Carl Huenefeld, chief of staff, MCRD San Diego and the WRR. After taking a bite of cake, Huenefeld passed the piece of cake to the youngest Marine present, Pfc. Michael Barr, Basic Marine Platoon, RTR. The passing of cake from the oldest Marine to the youngest Marine symbolizes the passing of Marine Corps traditions from generation to generation.
After the ceremony, attendees ate lunch at Duncan Hall for the traditional Marine Corps birthday meal. Guests feasted on steak and lobster and wrapped up the meal with patriotic birthday cake.
Later that night, Marines aboard the depot and their guests attended the Marine Corps Birthday Ball held at the Bay Front Hilton, San Diego, Calif.