235th Birthday

5 Nov 2010 | Jasmine Walthall Marine Corps Training and Education Command

The U.S. Marine Corps celebrated their 235th birthday yesterday. In celebration of the milestone, the members of the Marine Corps Detachment on Fort Leonard Wood ran 235 miles throughout the installation, two Marines at a time.

The event began at 3 p.m., in front of the detachment, Nov. 2, and ended with a detachment run at 5:30 a.m., Nov. 4.

Coordinating the run was Gunnery Sgt. Willie Hood, Motor Transport Instruction Company gunnery sergeant. This is Hood's first year coordinating the run, but knows it has been a tradition on post for as far back as he can remember.

"It is our way of celebrating the years that the Marine Corps has been established," Hood said. "We also do a student ball for students in training, and a permanent party ball as well."

According to the USMC website, the Marine Corps was established on, Nov. 10, 1775, after a meeting of the Continental Congress where it was passed that "two battalions of Marines" would be established. The Marines served on land and sea and were said to distinguish themselves through some elite missions such as the first amphibious raid into the Bahamas in March 1776.

However, the run is said to do more than celebrate the birthday.

"It shows younger Marines that the Marine Corps is deep in our heritage and it is a bonding practice," Hood said. " Two Marines, an instructor and a student, run a mile at a time. It is motivational for them to get the opportunity to run beside a leader and knowing that they are running one of the miles that represent a year of Marine history."

Though the event had dual meanings, neither were lost on the junior Marines.

"I am glad to be able to be here and celebrate how long the Marine Corps has been around, because not everyone gets the opportunity," Pfc. Steven Turturo said. "We are not only celebrating for past Marines, but for future Marines as well."

http://www.myguidon.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=12810&Itemid=39


Marine Corps Training and Education Command