On the steps of the Naperville Municipal Center, musicians from the St. Raphael Band performed during the annual flag raising ceremony hosted by the Naperville Marines to commemorate their birthday on Nov. 10.
In addition to performing the National Anthem just prior to nine bongs on the 72-bell Millennium Carillon that could be heard in the distance, the students, under the leadership of Rene Rosas, played The Marine’s Hymn.
Mindful of the importance music plays in every nation’s history, the words of The Marine’s Hymn are presented here:
From the Halls of Montezuma
To the shores of Tripoli
We fight our country’s battles
In the air, on land, and sea;
First to fight for right and freedom
And to keep our honor clean;
We are proud to claim the title
Of United States Marine.
Our flag’s unfurled to every breeze
From dawn to setting sun;
We have fought in every clime and place
Where we could take a gun.
In the snow of far-off Northern lands
And in sunny tropic scenes;
You will find us always on the job —
The United States Marines.
Here’s health to you and to our Corps
Which we are proud to serve;
In many a strife we’ve fought for life
And never lost our nerve.
If the Army and the Navy
Ever look on Heaven’s scenes,
They will find the streets are guarded
By United States Marines.
At the end of the ceremony, veteran Marine Jack Shiffler noted the Naperville Marines will celebrate the service of Mayor George Pradel, also a veteran Marine, during festivities planned this evening at the Sheridan Lisle Hotel. Pradel will retire after 20 years as Mayor of Naperville on May 1, 2015.
239th Birthday Ball hosted by Naperville Marines
In addition to honoring Mayor Pradel, the Birthday Ball will include 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.
Did you know?
“Semper Fidelis—Always faithful” is the motto of the U.S. Marine Corps adopted in 1883.
Since the mid-1900s, “Oo-rah!” has been known as the enthusiastic battle cry among members of the U.S. Marine Corps. During the Nov. 10, 2014, flag-raising event at the Naperville Municipal Center, Shiffler gave a big “Oorah!” to end the brief ceremony.
According to historians online, Sir Winston Churchill, British Prime Minister (1940-1945 and 1951-1955) , became “an ardent admirer of the U.S. Marine Corps.” Churchill said, “I am convinced that there is no smarter, handier, or more adaptable body of troops in the world.” Churchill was known for showing his affection and respect for U.S. Marines by reciting, from memory, all three verses of The Marines’ Hymn.
In 1945, First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt is credited with telling the world, “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!”
Happy Birthday! Tell it to the Marines!
Veterans Day is Nov. 11
Veterans Day is Tues., Nov. 11. The community is invited to observe the holiday during a special ceremony with tributes and patriotic music at 11AM, “11-11-11,” at Veterans Park, E. Gartner Avenue across from Grace United Methodist Church.
RELATED VETERANS DAY POSTS: The Positively Naperville archive has saved other posts regarding “11-11-11.”
