Some people spend an entire lifetime wondering if they made a difference, the Marines don't have that problem. -- Ronald Reagan, 1985
When we were overseas we had the privilege of being invited to the annual Marine Corps Ball to celebrate the birthday. Such an honor and such fun. One year in Chile, the Embassy personnel posted guard duty at the Embassy and the Consulate so the Marines could all go to the Ball. Gene and I watched the Consulate building on the midnight shift. Gene pulled duty several times, but that was the only time I got to go with him. Later they would have the Balls on different days in Peru and Bolivia and the Marines would come and go to cover duty so the local Marines could all attend the Ball. The Ball was always the most elegant evening of Embassy parties. The Marines would attend in their dress blues. There would be the presentation of the Colors and the birthday ceremony. The ceremony always included the oldest Marine and the youngest Marine to cut the cake with the white gloves on with their saber and have the first pieces. They would have wine/champagne glasses with the year and Marine Corps insignia and date. We have a few of those that have made it through several moves.
Gene and I a few years ago!It was wonderful to be invited and share a birthday with these special men.
David, Cole and ChristyOnce a Marine always a Marine! That is our son David. Here is the post with photo from last year. Hey David, Happy Birthday! There is a link there and here to a beautiful tribute to the Marines from 2006.
I wonder where my photos of the Embassy Marines are. Hmmmm.
8 comments:
Thanks for the Birthday wishes Mom. The Marines around the world appreciate your thoughts. Next year I'll send you a picture of Lisa and I going to the ball.
"Dress blues, new shined shoes..." Men in uniform are always impressive.
Jo: I had a good friend who was a Marine and my nephew was also a Marine. Semper Fi.
Hi David, you are most welcome! That will be fun to have new photos for the blog and see you two all dressed up!! Hugs.
bag blog, you are so right. Wonderful guys and now Marines have wonderful gals, too!
fishing guy, thank your friend and nephew for their service. Semper Fi back at you!
How wonderful to have the Marine tradition in your family! I know how proud you are of your son! The Balls sounded like such a great way to celebrate! I know they had to be awesome events over the years to get to attend!
The Tile Lady, yes, we are proud of David. He has done well. We have much to be thankful for and much of it is because we have had dedicated armed forces to keep us safe.
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