Above / For 2021, the Naperville Marines are celebrating the 246th birthday of the United States Marines on Nov. 10 at the Judd Kendall VFW Post. The annual celebration also will include a formalized cake-cutting ceremony with other observances that provide plenty of polish and tradition. (File photos courtesy James Hoch Photography)
The Annual Birthday Ball hosted by the Naperville Marines is set to begin at 5:30PM Wed., Nov. 10, at the Judd Kendall VFW Post 3873, located at 908 W. Jackson Avenue. The public is welcome.
Naperville Marines have marked their birthday almost annually by hosting a Marine Corps Ball in the Naperville area for the past 48 years, said Lew Breese, who serves on the committee.
The evening will begin with a social hour at 5:30PM, followed by the formal program at 7PM with dinner. Dancing will begin at 9PM and end at 11PM.
The annual celebration also will include a formalized cake-cutting ceremony with other observances that provide plenty of polish and tradition. A Mameluke sword will be 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.
Dress is business casual.
Donations of brand new unwrapped toys will be collected for Toys for Tots.
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—and the public is invited.
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.
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.
Happy Birthday! Tell it to the Marines every November 10!
Update, Oct. 20, 2021, from Lew Breese: “At 9AM, we will have the Marine Recruiters raise three flags that morning— 1st the U.S. flag, 2nd a Medal of Honor Flag and 3rd the Marine Corps Colors. We will have our combined Honor Guard and Buglers render a rifle salute and play taps.”
“The Naperville Park District passed a resolution to allow the Naperville Marines access to the Riverwalk flag poles to celebrate the Birthday of the United States Marine Corps,” explained Breese.
“Col. Dan Busch USMC Ret., the Naperville Marines Officer in Charge, will comment on both the current state and future of the Corps. Naperville Marines Chaplin, Larry Nyman, will lead us in a short prayer for the safe keeping of those who currently are on active duty around the world.
“Wayne Fischer Department of Illinois Commander of the American Legion is loaning us the Medal of Honor Flag for the Birthday Celebration. Fischer is a former Captain and aviator in the Marine Corps who also is a Past Commander of American Legion Post 43 of Naperville IL. Wayne also serves as the Executive Officer for Naperville Marines.”
In addition to performing the National Anthem, The Marine’s Hymn will be performed during festivities.
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.
Veterans Day / 11-11-11
Veterans Day always is Nov. 11. Remember to pause and reflect in observance of all men and women who serve at 11AM, the 11th day of the 11th month. Thank you.
Last Updated, Oct. 20, 2021
