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U.S. Fleet Forces Command (USFFC)

Honoring the U.S. Marine Corps Birthday through time honored traditions and ceremonies

by Ian Delossantos NWDC Communications Specialist
08 November 2024
USMC 249th birthday cake cutting
USMC 249th birthday cake cutting
USMC 249th birthday cake cutting
USMC 249th birthday cake cutting
USMC 249th birthday cake cutting
Photo By: Ian Delossantos
VIRIN: 241108-N-CI480-001
 
NORFOLK, Va. - On November 10, 1775, the Second Continental Congress created two battalions of U.S. Marines Congress commissioned thirty-one-year-old Samuel Nicholas, a well-known Philadelphian, as Captain of the Continental Marines.

Navy Warfare Development Center (NWDC) recently celebrated the 249th birthday of the United States Marine Corps States Marine Corps. The celebration was commemorated with singing of Anchors Aweigh and The Marines' Hymn led by NWDC’s Maritime Operations Center (MOC) Training Team Branch Head and retired Marine Colonel, Mr. Chis McCarthy and followed by a traditional cake-cutting ceremony.

A key ritual of the cake-cutting ceremony is the passing of the cake from the oldest Marine to the youngest, symbolizing generations of knowledge being shared to the future of the Corps. The youngest Marine in the event was United States Marine Corps veteran, Mr. Cody Anderson, and the oldest Marine was, Mr. Dennis Cunniffe Colonel USMC retired.

“The NWDC team showed up in force to help the Marines celebrate the 249th Birthday of the Marine Corps – thank you to all who planned and participated,” said Cunniffe, “ As a truly integrated naval force, Marines realize we stand on the shoulders of giants; those Marines and Sailors that came before us that built the great legacy and reputation of the Marine Corps and the naval services.”
 
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