Special Events

THE MARINE CORPS BALL

Huge thanks to Anna for this section!

One of the most frequently asked questions, aside from what to wear, is what the
Ball is all about. Why do they have it? What is it about? Why are those guys
standing up and why do I have to stand up? So, before that wonderful date in
November, please read this and hopefully, it will help answer a few of those
questions.

Why Celebrate? History and Traditions and Semper Fi's

The Marine Corps Ball is a long held tradition with a single purpose - to celebrate
the birth of our beloved Corps way back on November 10, 1775 in a bar known as
Tun Tavern. And while the official birthday of the Corps was not recognized until
1921 (before then, it was celebrated without honor in July), the emergence of a
Marine Corps Birthday Ball didn't start until 1925 at the insistence of Major Edwin
McClellan and wasn't formalized for many years to come.

It’s fairly obvious to the casual observer that the Birthday Ball is an evening filled
with wonderful uniforms, beautiful dresses and the pomp and circumstance of an
extremely formal event (and, in most cases, lots of fun, camaraderie and liquor).
But for Marines, the Ball is only the icing on the cake.

For Marines, the Birthday is a time to reflect on those that have worn the uniform,
wear the uniform and will someday be lucky enough to pin on an EGA. We
remember those Marine's that paved the path for us and paid the ultimate sacrifice
for our beloved Country and Corps. This love and reverence for our history is
often seen during the Ball as Marine's dress up in period uniforms and regale
stories from the battles we fought long ago. We listen to a speech - the same
speech, actually an Order, recited every year. This order, written by Commandant
John LeJeune (Marine Corps Order Number 47), proclaims our heritage and proud
history. If you’re at the ball, you will hear this Order read in its entirety.

It's also a time for us to look towards the future. Each year, the Commandant
releases his Birthday message. It is an opportunity for him to reflect on the past
year and the accomplishment of his troops. It’s also an opportunity for him to
present his ideas and plans for the future, and to thank his Marine’s for a job well
done.

Marines always celebrate the date of November 10th. You could be in Boot Camp
as I was during my first Birthday, or in the middle of a war zone as many of our
Marine’s our today. Regardless, this day does not pass without recognition of our
longstanding traditions and heritage.

I think an Air Force Sgt. Major summed it up best – “Why do Marines feel so
strongly about traditions, especially this tradition? Marines are a "different breed!"
Their perspective of life is unique and filled with unbridled pride and commitment to
excellence. Marines believe that there is no public calling higher than that of
Marine.

They also believe that tasks are given to be accomplished and that anything short
of mission accomplishment is unacceptable. And lastly, Marines believe in one
another. They are a "band of brothers" who realize esprit de corps is not just a
slogan; it's a way of life. Marines take care of one another and believe
emphatically ‘once a Marine, always a Marine.’"

The Ceremony (or Why I Hate These Shoes - Can I sit down please?)

So enough history and on to what the Birthday Ball is all about.

Birthday Balls may be Enlisted, Officer or a combination of both. Personally, I think
segregation of the Balls is not consistent with the Esprit de Corps of the Marine
Corps. However, it depends upon the size of the Marine unit and the whims of the
senior staff. I’ve been to all types. Also, Balls are dependent upon the funding of
the unit. Have you seen those base car washes? They're trying to get money for
the Ball. The price of the ticket depends on how much money the unit has for their
Ball funding. And some units have more money than others which is why some
Balls are incredible and elaborate shows (CENTCOM) and others are very simple
(PISC).

The evening usually starts with a c.o.c.k.tail hour – a time to mingle with your fellow
Marines and their dates. Most often, this is not paid for – expect to pay your own
bar tab. Seating at most Balls is assigned, so make sure you find the seating chart
and know what table you’re at. About 10 minutes before the ceremony starts, the
Narrator will announce people to start seating. He’ll do this again at 5 minutes
before so make sure you’ve gone to the restroom because most often, the doors
lock (yes, they’ll make accommodations for you if you can’t hold it for one or two
hours).

After everyone is seated, the first thing that usually happens is the reading of the
Commandant’s message (or a video) followed by a Chaplain’s prayer. Yes –
everyone usually hopes the Commandant is not long winded!

Now you have the Adjutants Call. The Colors are marched forward along with the
guest of honor and distinguished Marine’s. You’re standing so make sure the
shoes are comfy. The band will play the National Anthem and the Colors will be
posted. Now you’ll hear the Marine Corps Hymn. Marines – whether in uniform or
not, are all at attention. They’ll roll the cake out at this time, too, and finally, you
can sit down.

Time for more speeches... This time, it’s General LeJeune’s order and the guest of
honor. Hopefully, you’ll have a really engaging guest of honor. If your Ball can get
Gen. Tommy Franks, book him.

And finally, the last and most memorable part of the ceremony – the cake cutting.
By tradition, the first pieces of cake go to three people: the first to the guest of
honor, the second to the oldest Marine, and the third to the youngest Marine. It’s a
very solemn moment because in many ways, it’s a symbol of the old breed passing
the traditions and love of the Corps to the new breed.

Now, the same procession that entered the room leaves the room and the dinner
usually begins.

Each Ball will have its own flow – some have a traditional uniform viewing during
the Ceremony, or, as in the past few years, a long video about the “State of the
Corps,” that is shown Marine Corps wide. It just depends. The Ceremony usually
lasts about one hour, but I've seen it go on for two hours.

Can I Go Dance Now??

Now – a few things….

Dinner can be before the Ceremony or after. I’ve seen it both ways. Also, the wine
may or may not be paid for. Most commands do their best to give each table at
least two bottles of wine. The food quality is really dependent upon where the ball
is. Most hotel balls seem to have decent food, but honestly, the Birthday Dinner I
had at 4th Battalion at PISC was the finest. The sand fleas on the cake ruined
dessert, but we had lobster and filet mignon.

The stuff on the table? Yes – it’s shwag. Most commands will give you a set of
glasses or something else commemorating the event. Some of the gifts are really
great – like a statue of Iwo Jima (the best one I’ve ever gotten), or not so great
(like a command coin). By the end of the evening, if it’s on the table someone has
probably already claimed it. Flowers, flags, etc. all get scarfed up.

The entertainment varies. My favorite balls have been those where the local base
band has played. It is amazing how talented our Marines are! Most can play much
more than just “Semper Fidelis.” Some units will hire a DJ. Overall, the goal is to
get you out on the floor dancing. And don’t worry if you can’t dance. The idea is to
have fun – not to look like Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers.

If you want to have your picture taken, my advice is to get their early. Most
photographers won’t stay much past 22:00 and the line usually forms well before
the ceremony begins. But also bring a camera and take pictures. You never know
what you’ll see…

As for the rest of the night, just have fun. You’re going to be amazed at how nice
people are and how beautiful everyone looks. We all worry and fuss about our
dresses before the evening, but by 23:00, no one really cares (and you’re feet
hurt anyway). This is a glorious night for Marines and one that gives us the
opportunity to celebrate our title so enjoy it.

And finally - a word to the wise. Three years ago I went to a wonderful ball where
the local law enforcement was waiting right outside the hotel like vultures as the
Marines poured out. The number of DUIs that evening was unprecedented
including an 18 year major crashing his car into a drainage ditch and almost killing
himself. If your Ball is at a hotel, get a room there. If you're not able to stay in the
same facility, get a cab. Don't ruin the best night of the year.

JANE WAYNE DAY

Every once in a while, a unit will decide to have "Jane Wayne Day". It's an event designed to show family members a little of what it takes to be a Marine. It is in NO way reflective of the actual day-to-day grind of being, say, a pay clerk. It's way more fun than that.

You'll want to wear tennis shoes and old jeans and a t-shirt. You can wear your husband's cammies if they fit you. Just be prepared to get DIRTY! There will be different events set up. You may run an obstacle course, or fire blanks from an M-16. You may get to take a ride in a hummer. What events you have depend on the unit's resources. You'll probably wind up with a few pictures of yourself in camo face paint, wearing a flak jacket, with M-16 in hand. They make great Christmas cards!!

DINING IN/DINING OUT

At some point, your Marine may invite you to a "Dining In". He's wrong... Dining In is only for the military members. "Dining Out" is when civilians are invited. But they seem to invariably call it a Dining In no matter what.

I have personally only been to an Air Force Dining Out, but I'm getting reports from Marine Wives who have been. Stay tuned for updated information!