Marine Corps birthday bash slated for Nov. 11
BY KATHY CHANG
Staff Writer

WOODBRIDGE - The Avenel Detachment of the U.S. Marine Corps League will host a dinner-dance and birthday ball Nov. 11 to help celebrate the Corps' 231st birthday.

"This is the second year in a row where our detachment is holding a big birthday bash," said Marty Martino, commandant of the Avenel Detachment. "All U.S. Marines [past and present] and guests are invited to join in the gala military dinner-dance celebration."

The event will be held at the Forge Inn on Route 9 in Woodbridge.

"Marines all over celebrate the birthday in the same way," said Martino. "There is a formal military cake-cutting ceremony by the commanding officer. The youngest Marine at the birthday ball gets the first piece of cake and the oldest Marine gets the second piece of cake. The third piece of cake goes to the speaker."

This year's speaker is Lt. Col. Robert M. Hagan, inspector instructor, 6th Motor Transport Battalion, who is stationed in Red Bank, Martino said.

"Hagan served in Iraq, Kuwait, Haiti, and Seoul, Korea," said Martino.

Hagan's personal decorations include the Bronze Star, the Meritorious Service Medal with Gold Star, the Navy Commendation Medal with Gold Star, the Navy Achievement Medal with Gold Star, and the Humanitarian Service Medal.

The annual birthday celebration dates back to Nov. 1, 1921, when John A. Lejeune, 13th commandant of the Marine Corps, directed that a reminder of the honorable service of the Marine Corps be published worldwide on the Corps' birthday.

The Corps' birthday has been officially celebrated on Nov. 10 ever since.

It was on that date in 1775 that Continental Congress resolved, "That two Battalions of Marines be raised ..."

Next month's celebration also involves the reading of an excerpt from the Marine Corps Manual and a birthday message from the commandant.

Marines who want to attend the event should contact Martino at (732) 636-4381 or Vice Commandant George Little at (732) 969-0685.

The ticket price for Marine Corps League members is $55. The ticket price for guests is $65.

Marines and Marine Corps League members will receive invitations in the mail shortly, Martino said.

"I hope you will take this opportunity to join in with us," said Martino. "Remember, you are a Marine forever."