By Donte Medder |Staff Writer|
CSUSB celebrated the 238th birthday of the Marine Corps on Nov. 1, where the Veterans Success Center coordinator Marci Daniels and student and Marine Reuben Porales organized an event honoring the Marines Corps.
The Marine Corps was established on Nov. 10, 1775 and has since distinguished itself as one of the most prestigious military fighting organizations in modern history.
At this time every year, Marines are called together to celebrate the accomplishments of the past as well as honor those who have served in the past.
Porales said, “This is the second year we’ve had this event and it’s grown from the past year.”
The birthday celebration brought together many different generations of Marines as well as members of other cores such as the Army and Navy.
The Marine’s purpose is to be the nation’s rapid response force, here to protect the lives of the citizens.
Daniels said, “The traditions of all branches are very important to us.” She continued, “It’s what makes us unique.”
The atmosphere of the event was filled with both solemn respect and inspirational optimism looking ahead to the future for all Marines.
Customary to every Marine Corps birthday celebration, is the message from the Commandant.
This year a video was featured honoring the many Marines who have served, reflecting over their time spent with their fellow Marines in battle.
The video inspired Marines to continue their proud tradition of bravery and discipline.
A Marine is symbolized by their unique flexibility, resourcefulness and quick decision-making abilities. These traits are found throughout all their ranks.
They are taught to improvise, adapt, overcome and never leave a fellow Marine behind. These traits were stressed throughout the night as many guest speakers emphasized these points during their speeches.
Another tradition of the Marine Corps birthday celebration is the cutting of the cake and presentation of the first and second piece of cake. The first piece is presented to the guest of honor and the second piece is given to the oldest member in attendance, then passed to the youngest member signifying the passing of knowledge and experience from the older generation to the younger.
The event also honored many of those who passed away in service not just in the Marine Corps but in the other armed forces as well.
The most significant way this was represented was with the table of the fallen. A table reserved to honor those who had died in service to the military.
Daniels, a military veteran, found the dedication to all five branches very touching.
She said, “Having all five branches represented and having the table of the fallen where we can all recognize each other is very special to me.”
CSUSB proudly hosts many events honoring various branches of military services.
This Veteran’s Day on Nov. 11, there will be a float representing Veterans in the Redlands Parade.
On Nov. 12 the Student Recreational and Fitness Center will host a lunch for Veterans, and there are also plans in the works to honor the Veterans with an appreciation night during a basketball game.
The many people who fight for our country deserve to be honored and respected, events like the Marine Corps birthday is a special way of doing it.
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