For close to two and a half centuries men and women of honor, courage, commitment, and esprit de corps have assembled both near and afar in various locations around the globe. This large and frequently small and lonesome gathering is to commemorate the birth of their beloved United States Marine Corps on November 10th, 1775 at Tun Tavern in Pennsylvania within the United States Of America. Those who are present, those whom are unable to attend, and those who gave the ultimate sacrifice for the defence of a nation deeply in gratitude of personal and professional sacrifice acknowledge once annually the institution tasked with protecting the peace the United States Marine Corps.

The United States Marine Corps birthday celebration and cake cutting ceremony symbolizes the passing on of responsibility from one generation of United States Marines to the next. The cake cutting ceremony with cut pieces of cake is most often performed with a k-bar, bayonet, or officer and non-commissioned officer swords demonstrating the covenant and oath every United States Marine has taken to defend the nation, it's interests, and peace.

The first cut piece of United States Marine Corps cake is presented to the youngest United States Marine by the oldest present United States Marine signifying the experienced possessing seniority charged with the training, mentoring, leadership, and fostering of skills, character, and intelligence upon the younger generation of Marines. These assets acquired by the younger generation of United States Marines are charge with the assignment to proactively preserve traditions and fill the ranks of the United States Marine Corps for future generations of Marines.

Happy 239th United States Marine Corps Birthday! All the best for many millennia more! Stay safe and Semper Fidelis!