Back from the ball

This past weekend my wife and I were in attendance at my units Marine Corps Birthday Ball. It was held at state line in Nevada. It was the first time in seven years that my wife and I were together and away from the kids for even a single night! Needless to say we had a great time together but it was strange without kids at first. I think we were in shock…

The evening went well. It started with cocktail hour and was then followed by the ceremony. Marines in the sword detail marched out in pairs and then posted at opposite ends of the dance floor. The colors were marched in and they too posted. The 13th Commandants birthday message was read as well as the current commandant’s message and a prayer was said over the proceedings (not in that order). The cake ceremony was also performed with a piece going each to the fallen comrade table, the youngest Marine and the oldest Marine. After the ceremony concluded the commanding officer gave an appropriate birthday address followed by the guest of honor and a rousing speech that had the Marines in attendance give a standing ovation. Dinner followed the birthdday ceremony and shortly thereafter all hell broke loose…not really but that’s what it looked like on the dance floor.

It was a memorable evening to say the least.