Naval Medical Center Portsmouth (NMCP) celebrated the 237th Marine Corps birthday with a cake-cutting ceremony, Nov. 9. Marines of Wounded Warrior Battalion-East Portsmouth Detachment and Marine Liaison Detachment-Portsmouth led the event.
About 60 Marines and NMCP staff attended the traditional Marine Corps ceremony, where they were reminded of the annual renewal of each Marine’s commitment to the Corps, and the Corps’ commitment to the nation’s quest for peace and freedom worldwide. Maj. Steve Miller , Marine Corps Liaison officer in charge, gave the opening remarks.
Miller thanked everyone for attending, as well as NMCP’s medical providers for the great care they gave his Marines. Following Miller’s remarks, Cpl. Joseph McGuirk read the birthday message from Gen. John A. Lejeune , the 13th commandant of the Marine Corps, from November 1921.
1st Lt. Chase Llewellyn then read the birthday message from the current Commandant of the Marine Corps, Gen. James F. Amos , who began with the Marine’s reputation for answering the nation’s call in the past.
“We carry that same legacy of resolute commitment and valor today,” Amos wrote . “Over the past year, Marines have stood firm in the toughest of circumstances and on numerous occasions. We’ve taken the fight to the enemy in Helmand and to the Horn of Africa. We’ve manned the ramparts of beleaguered embassies in the Middle East and North Africa, fought alongside our allies throughout the world, while behind the scenes, afloat and ashore, other Marines did the painstaking hard work required to maintain our high levels of readiness and efficiency.”
Amos also wrote about the role of Marines in America’s future.
“Now, more than ever, America needs its Marines as we confront a dangerous and unpredictable world,” Amos said in the message. “Faced with difficult days ahead, we will continue to draw strength from our rich heritage and the shared values of the Marines to our left and to our right.”
With the traditional ceremonial sword in hand, the cake was then cut by the oldest Marine at the detachment, Master Sgt. Paul Starner , who presented the first piece to the guest of honor, Bill Marx , from the Navy Exchange Headquarters in Virginia Beach. Marx has been a passionate supporter of the Marines at NMCP for more than seven years.
The second piece of cake was presented to Starner by the youngest Marine at the detachment, Lance Cpl. Justin Burbank . The ceremony closed with the Marine Hymn.
[mappress] Naval Today Staff, November 13, 2012; Image: US Navy