Do you go to your service's birthday ball?

GySgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 23 Apr 2014 17:37:46 -0400

It wasn't until I joined a joint service unit where I became aware of how many service members have never even gone to their own ball to celebrate the birth of their service. Marines practically make it mandatory to attend, even in the reserves. The ball will be on a duty day or a drill day, if you do not go, you become part of the working party which forces everybody to end up going to the birthday ball anyways. You either buy a ticket to the ball and wear you dress uniform or not pay and be part of the working party to run the ball wearing a service uniform.

Do you go to your birthday ball? Have you been to other service's balls? Does your unit put importance on attending the ball or even make it mandatory like my example?

Response by 1SG Steven Stankovich made Mar 4 at 2014 3:07 PM

1SG Steven Stankovich — Tue, 04 Mar 2014 15:07:25 -0500

My wife and I went to the Army Birthday Ball in DC a while back when we were living in Alexandria, VA and I was working at HRC. We had a lot of fun. I would recommend going if there is one. It is a great experience.

Response by CPT Aaron Kletzing made Apr 23 at 2014 5:41 PM

CPT Aaron Kletzing — Wed, 23 Apr 2014 17:41:13 -0400

When I was in the Army, the Army's Ball felt like a very formal event to me, and I always assumed it would be uptight and attended by mostly senior Officers and NCOs. Perhaps I was way off. But that idea kind of dissuaded me as a Junior Officer. I think the Junior Officer Mafia was allergic to the Army Ball.

Response by SSgt Gregory Guina made Apr 23 at 2014 5:50 PM

SSgt Gregory Guina — Wed, 23 Apr 2014 17:50:08 -0400

I try to make the Marine Corps Ball every year. I have missed a few in my career but I enjoy getting together with everyone and having a good time. This year will be my final Ball as an active duty Marine and I will be there lookin good in my dress blues.

Response by GySgt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 23 at 2014 6:09 PM

GySgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 23 Apr 2014 18:09:17 -0400

Ive been to every ball and even with combat deployments, celebrated.  Not sure if you all have the same but for deployed areas, they have these birthday cakes that they deliver to every fob so Marines can celebrate the birth of our Corps.  

Response by GySgt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 23 at 2014 6:38 PM

GySgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 23 Apr 2014 18:38:52 -0400

Every Marine is to be read this in celebration of the birth of our Corps

MARINE CORPS ORDERS
No. 47 (Series 1921)
HEADQUARTERS U.S. MARINE CORPS
Washington, November 1, 1921

759. The following will be read to the command on the 10th of November, 1921, and hereafter on the 10 November of every year. Should the order not be received by the 10th of November, 1921, it will be read upon receipt.

(1) On November 10, 1775, a Corps of Marines was created by a resolution of Continental Congress. Since that date many thousand men have borne the name "Marine". In memory of them it is fitting that we who are Marines should commemorate the birthday of our corps by calling to mind the glories of its long and illustrious history.

(2) The record of our corps is one which will bear comparison with that of the most famous military organizations in the world's history. During 90 of the 146 years of its existence the Marine Corps has been in action against the Nation's foes. From the Battle of Trenton to the Argonne, Marines have won foremost honors in war, and in the long eras of tranquility at home, generation after generation of Marines have grown gray in war in both hemispheres and in every corner of the seven seas, that our country and its citizens might enjoy peace and security.

(3) In every battle and skirmish since the birth of our corps, Marines have acquitted themselves with the greatest distinction, winning new honors on each occasion until the term "Marine" has come to signify all that is highest in military efficiency and soldierly virtue.

(4) This high name of distinction and soldierly repute we who are Marines today have received from those who preceded us in the corps. With it we have also received from them the eternal spirit which has animated our corps from generation to generation and has been the distinguishing mark of the Marines in every age. So long as that spirit continues to flourish Marines will be found equal to every emergency in the future as they have been in the past, and the men of our Nation will regard us as worthy successors to the long line of illustrious men who have served as "Soldiers of the Sea" since the founding of the Corps.

JOHN A. LEJEUNE,
Major General Commandant
75705—21

Response by 1SG Michael Blount made Apr 23 at 2014 8:20 PM

1SG Michael Blount — Wed, 23 Apr 2014 20:20:19 -0400

It depends. I never miss the USMC Birthday Ball; most of the guys I chewed dirt with in Iraq were Marines.

Army Birthday Ball - especially ijn the DC area - impresses me as another excuse for a party thrown by people who have never been around the corner but wear the medals anyway.

Response by CPT Aaron Kletzing made Apr 23 at 2014 9:29 PM

CPT Aaron Kletzing — Wed, 23 Apr 2014 21:29:15 -0400

The Army Ball was never a point of discussion in any of my units. To be 100% honest with you, I think if people were told the Army Ball was coming, many of them would have thought, "Man, I hope it isn't mandatory." And if it was mandatory, they would have tried to volunteer for extra duty to get out of it. Just the impression I got in all my Army units.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 23 at 2014 9:36 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 23 Apr 2014 21:36:44 -0400

I have wanted to but my annual training always seem to fall at the same time

Response by CMC Robert Young made Apr 23 at 2014 11:29 PM

CMC Robert Young — Wed, 23 Apr 2014 23:29:53 -0400

I go to every one I can, but unfortunately recently (last several years) even the command's interest in sponsoring them has faded. What were regular events are becoming fewer and further between.....it's a sad commentary about how little we honor our heritage and traditions.

Response by MSgt Keith Hebert made Apr 24 at 2014 3:02 AM

MSgt Keith Hebert — Thu, 24 Apr 2014 03:02:31 -0400

Went to three in the Corps and never attended another one. Had unit birthday balls but never service wide

Response by MSG Wade Huffman made Apr 24 at 2014 7:18 AM

MSG Wade Huffman — Thu, 24 Apr 2014 07:18:18 -0400

While serving in a Joint assignment I had the privilege of attending birthday balls for the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, and Navy. I enjoyed them all, especially being able to experience the traditions of the other services. I guess I should put a Coast Guard ball (if they have one) on my bucket list! !

Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made Apr 29 at 2014 11:25 PM

PO1 William "Chip" Nagel — Tue, 29 Apr 2014 23:25:10 -0400

I must confess. I only attended one Navy Day Ball in 21 years and only in official duties as Command Photoghrapher which is sad. I should have attended more. Now in my current line of work I did security at the Marine Corps Ball at the Sheraton Hotel in Overland Park, KS. I thought rather than just wear my hard white uniform with Badge and Tie and plain tie pin, I wore my Navy Rank Tie Pin and that helped more than once that evening. A Great Time was had by All.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 30 at 2014 12:55 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 30 Apr 2014 12:55:41 -0400

I have never been to an Army Birthday Ball. But I try to never miss an MP Birthday ball. To me its something unique to the military, and should be enjoyed.

I have never been to a USMC ball, Always wanted to go, all dressed up in MY blues, showing off some army pride.

Response by SCPO Private RallyPoint Member made May 6 at 2014 2:47 AM

SCPO Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 06 May 2014 02:47:07 -0400

Hell yes, I go to every one I can. It is a little different for me because I have both the Submarine Birthday Ball as well as the Navy Ball to attend. I have only missed one in my time in, and that is because I was in school and did not understand the significance behind it. This years Subball I had the honor to be part of the P.O.W./M.I.A. setting. As long as I am not at sea, I will do everything I can to attend.

Response by CPO Greg Frazho made Jun 11 at 2014 1:35 PM

CPO Greg Frazho — Wed, 11 Jun 2014 13:35:21 -0400

I went to two Navy Balls in a 20-year career. The one was in Japan in 1996 or 1997; it was alright, but my date was a head case that night.

The other one I went to was in 2000 in Monterey, CA. That was lot of fun. I went with one date and almost had another one. Very well-done, very poignant and very memorable.

Seabee Balls are fun, as are Marine Balls. Been to four or five of the former, two of the latter. The pageant always did it for me. Good times without the pretentiousness that seems common nowadays.

Response by MSG Martin C. made Jun 12 at 2014 7:00 PM

MSG Martin C. — Thu, 12 Jun 2014 19:00:08 -0400

I am getting ready for this years ball. To me it's a time to appreciate our branches and our Soldiers not to mention I enjoy seeing my bride in a beautiful dress.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 12 at 2014 7:17 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 12 Jun 2014 19:17:16 -0400

Maybe someday, but right now focused on my units and networking outside of formal functions. Also, do not want to have to pay to travel to these and take off. Rather take leave for a vacation somewhere nice and relaxing where I can grow out a mullet.

Response by WO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 13 at 2014 12:14 AM

WO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 13 Jun 2014 00:14:58 -0400

I went to my first army ball last weekend and had a blast! I'm out here at DLI as an IET soldier and hope that at my first assignment it will be just as good.

Response by SCPO Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 13 at 2014 12:26 PM

SCPO Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 13 Jun 2014 12:26:28 -0400

They are an important part of our history and heritage. I was thankful that while mobilized I was able to attend the Marine Corps Ball, as the Navy did not do much for our birthday.

Honors, Ceremonies, History, and Tradition are important and we must remember what happened in our past and the people that got us to where we are today.

We need to take pride in our service and our services.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 15 at 2014 7:42 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 15 Jun 2014 19:42:54 -0400

I wish I've been to an Army Birthday Ball, but as it's left to the unit to throw one, so no. I've gone to a Dining Out in December and that was a train wreck. However I have gone to a Marine Corps Birthday Ball. The Ball fell on my birthday so I went in my Boy Scout uniform and my Dad went in his Blues.