The Marine Corps League Unicoi Detachment #783 celebrated the 250th birthday of the U.S. Marine Corps with its annual Marine Corps Ball on Saturday, Nov. 8.
Held at the Union County Community Center, local Marines, their families, and other veterans made their way out for an evening of honoring a storied order of some of America’s greatest defenders.
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MCL Detachment #783 Cmdt. John Entwisle delivered the opening remarks to welcome everyone to the ball.
“Tonight, we share the camaraderie and celebration of 250 years of the United States Marine Corps,” Entwisle said, asking guests enjoying the evening to take a moment to remember their companions – often men who hadn’t yet seen 20 – who have never come home.
This knowledge was somberly acknowledged through the Missing Man Table, presented by Brandy Creel, a veteran of the U.S. Air Force. Each item on the table held a symbolic meaning, whether for the bitter fate of those missing in action or for the anguish their loved ones continue to wrestle with years after their service.
But while solemnity had its place, the evening was also a joyful one. At every Marine Corps anniversary, the cake-cutting ceremony is a much-anticipated part of observances. The oldest Marine in attendance hands down the first slice of cake to the youngest Marine, symbolizing the passing down of tradition from one generation to be upheld by the next.
This year, the oldest Marine in attendance was the celebrated Jack McCorkle. At 93, McCorkle has led a colorful life, though one of his most hard-won achievements is being one of the “Frozen Chosen,” having survived the 1950 battle of the Chosin Reservoir in the Korean War.
He handed down the slice of cake, cut with precision by a ceremonial Mameluke sword, to the youngest Marine, Kaiyle Payne.
Another part of the annual ceremony is to recite the “birthday message” established by Lt. Gen. John A. Lejeune, the first American Marine commander to lead a division into combat and boasting a 40-year history with the service besides.
Although sometimes extended to reference Marine action since Lejeune’s original delivery in 1921, the speech primarily remains unchanged. It reflects on the history of the Marine Corps, starting with its creation on Nov. 10, 1775, and “calling to mind the glories of its long and illustrious history.”
Recited by Entwisle – it is tradition for a commandant to present Lejeune’s message – the missive echoes the sentiment that through the generations, Marines have dedicated themselves to military excellence and stalwart defense of their nation.
“This high name of distinction and soldierly repute we who are Marines today have received from those who preceded us in the Corps,” Entwisle read. “With it, we also received from them the eternal spirit which has animated our Corps from generation to generation and has been the distinguishing mark of the Marines in every age.”
It stands to reason, too, that the leaders of today’s Corps address the organization’s anniversary, and along with Lejeune’s message, that of Gen. Eric Smith, 39th Commandant of the United States Marine Corps, was also shared with Detachment #783.
“I could not be prouder of the Marines I see serving today. At home, at sea and across the globe, you carry forward our proud traditions with skill and ferocity,” Smith wrote. “It is your discipline, initiative and fighting spirit that anchor our Corps.”
One final note came from 62nd Chief Devil Dog Joe DeAngelo Jr. The Devil Dogs were formed in Boston in 1939 at a national convention, and the group eventually became its own distinct military order.
“Our legacy and valor is a statement to the indomitable spirit of the Marine. As Marines, we share an unbreakable brotherhood, a bond that transcends the uniform. It lives on in every act of service and every veteran who stands ready to lend a hand, and in each dog of our great military order of Devil Dogs, who embody the spirit of Semper Fidelis every day,” Ash Todd read from the statement.
Several awards were handed out to deserving Marines and their families along with Marine Auxiliary members. Gunnery Sgt. Calvin Triplett was notably named Marine of the Year but had his own gift to give back to Detachment #783 in the form of a rifle to be displayed in the Maj. Leon Davenport Veterans Building.
After a night of good drink, food, friendship and memories, the ceremonial portion saw its end wrapped up with the opportunity to dance. A few brave souls ventured to the front of the room to bust a move, and by the end of the night, one couple remained swaying in a slow dance before all packed up and headed out.
