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Naperville observes the U.S. Marine Corps birthday on Nov. 10

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As is tradition at 9AM every November 10, local members of the U.S. Marine Corps, past and present, will raise its flag in observance of the armed service’s birthday in front of the Naperville Municipal Center.

Click any photo to enlarge the gallery. (PN File photos from 2012)

Marines, public officials, family and friends again will gather for a brief tribute to all who have served during the 241-year history of the U.S. Marine Corps.

During the ceremony, the Marines will draw attention to the symbolism of the red U.S. Marine Corps flag., noting that the Eagle, Globe, and Anchor are featured in the official emblem.  The Marine Corps motto,  “Semper Fidelis,”  means always faithful.

As is tradition, the bell will toll for fallen Marines.

Thanks to a story that dates back to World War I, the U.S. Marines have an unofficial mascot, the English Bulldog.  On occasion, Naperville’s representative mascot has been present during the ceremony.

Members of the Naperville Municipal Band or the St. Raphael Catholic School Band typically perform a medley of patriotic songs as well as the Marines Hymn.

flag-st-raphael

Marine Birthday Ball begins at 5:30PM Thurs., Nov. 10

For the 43rd year, the Naperville Marines will host the Birthday Ball beginning at 5:30PM with cocktails, an opening ceremony at 7PM, followed by dinner at 7:15PM and dancing at 9PM at a local hotel. The 241st birthday party will be held at the Sheraton Lisle Hotel, 3000 Warrenville Road.

Reservations are $65 per person and available by calling (630) 877-7517.

Send reservation with payment to Naperville Marines, Attn: Chuck Bokar, c/o DRC,  424 Fort Hill Drive, Suite 118, Naperville, Illinois 60540. Reservations and payment must be received by Thurs., Nov. 3, 2016.

ToysforTotsInvitation-logoAccording to event organizer Chuck Bokar, the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Unit from Joliet will be on hand to assist with a collection of brand new unwrapped toys for Toys for Tots.

Attendees are encouraged to bring unwrapped toys (no stuffed animals, please) for youngsters in support of helping less fortunate children throughout the United States experience the joy of Christmas.

A brief history of the Naperville Marines

Though the Naperville Marines’ first party was one of simple origins held the basement of the late Drew Mathews, Lt.Col. USMC (retired), their birthday party grew and had been the Holiday Inn’s premiere event back in 1992 when the property first reopened under the Holiday Inn banner.  After a brief hiatus at other event venues while the hotel property was renovated to another brand, the Marines returned to the property that reopened as the Marriott Hotel in Naperville in 2012.

This year the event again has found a home at the Sheraton Lisle Hotel.

During festivities, a formalized cake-cutting ceremony and other observances provide plenty of polish and tradition. For instance, a Mameluke sword is used to cut the birthday cake, recognizing that Marines are a  band of warriors, serving so that our nation may live in peace.  The first piece of cake must be presented to the oldest U.S. Marine present. The second piece goes to the youngest Marine. Other traditions follow.

In addition, one of the highlights is a solemn reading of the Commandant’s birthday message to all members of the U.S. Marine Corps.

Anyone who has ever attended the Naperville Marines’ Birthday Ball knows November 10 is a unique holiday for all men and women who have served or currently serve in the U.S. Marine Corps.  Their always-memorable birthday party is a special evening  of heartfelt  camaraderie to celebrate honor and love of country. The evening also attracts many veterans who have served other armed forces.

Finally, as noted in 1945 by Eleanor Roosevelt, First Lady of the United States, and often quoted by the big-hearted Marines, “The Marines I have seen around the world have the cleanest bodies, the filthiest minds, the highest morale, and the lowest morals of any group of animals I have ever seen. Thank God for the United States Marine Corps!”

Editor’s Note / Veterans Day is Nov. 11. In Naperville, the annual Veterans Day observance is held at 11AM Fri., Nov. 11, at Veterans Park on Gartner Road. Remember “11-11-11.” Peace.

 

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PN Editor
PN Editor
An editor is someone who prepares content for publishing. It entered English, the American Language, via French. Its modern sense for newspapers has been around since about 1800.

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