MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. -- More than 200 Marines, sailors and civilians attended the Joint Daytime Ceremony aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune Nov. 10.
The ceremony included a rededication of organizational colors, historical pageant presented by Marines wearing the many uniforms and carrying weapons Marines have donned since the formation of the Marine Corps, and the cake cutting ceremony.
Units including II Marine Expeditionary Force, Marine Corps Installations East, Naval Hospital Camp Lejeune and the Joint Maritime Training Center were present for their unit’s colors rededication ceremony.
Afterward, the pageant Marines made their way onto the field as a bit of history was read about the time and uniform they were representing. Marines donned uniforms that were worn throughout the ages, from the first uniforms of the Marine Corps in 1775, to the dresses of the female Marines from World War II to the digital Marine pattern worn by Marines today.
Following the pageant, the birthday cake was brought out and Col. Daniel J. Lecce, commanding officer for Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, cut the cake and presented it to the oldest Marine present, Lt. Col. Steven J. Land, the deputy G-4 for II Marine Expeditionary Force. Land was born Feb. 11, 1957.
Land then passed on the cake to the youngest Marine present, Pfc. Anthony Hilton Jr., who is a student with Student Administrative Company, School of Infantry East. Hilton was born in 1992.
The passing of the first piece of birthday cake signifies the passing of traditions and knowledge from one generation to the next.
As the band played, Marines walked onto the grass and took pictures of the ceremonial cake and got a closer look at the uniforms of past Marines. This concluded the Joint Daytime Ceremony which honors the achievements and remembers the selfless service and sacrifice of all Marines and sailors.
Happy birthday Marines.