What are your favorite memories/takeaways from attending a Marine Corps Ball?

I think one of the best things that the Units I was in did was found a way to make the Ball free for the Marines attending. We did this with Unit fundraisers and by sending Marines to Charger games and other things to provide security. It worked fantastically. When I was in Iwakuni I think every unit had the ball a the Base Gym but you would never be able to tell. In Camp Pendleton we always had our ball at the O Club to cut costs.

The MC Ball was always a fun time no matter your rank and location.

I took note of the fact that the older generation attempted to control different, silly little aspects of the engagement. Like who and when related to Flag presentation, table/seating arrangements, who would introduce the man of honor. Little stuff like that. But it was strange that they did this on the actual day of, and while the dinner was in progress. Also there was less drinking than you would see going on at the ( M C L ) and an attempt to lets say, act Right. Meaning to act low key. There were very few younger generation Marines. You know the recent Combat Marines. The older Marines are holding on to what they consider (POWER) at most Veterans Halls all over the country. Mostly for two reasons (1) the older guys do not want to be made to feel like seniors and powerless. (2) On account of point number 1, there is no outreach to the younger Marines.

I was an Army Chaplain providing religious coverage to a USMC Detachment at Fort Bliss and was invited to the Ball, where I gave the Invocation. It was a memorable occasion steeped in tradition, and it was an honor to be invited. Afterwards so many people were smoking cigars that I had to leave a bit early!