When is the Marine Corps Birthday celebrated and what observances are typical?

When is the Marine Corps Birthday celebrated and what observances are typical?

• A. 10 November 1775; Cake cutting, 1st piece to oldest Marine, 2nd piece to youngest Marine, Reading of Gen Lejeune's Birthday message
• B. July 4, 1776; fireworks
• C. November 11; Veterans Day parade
• D. December 7; Pearl Harbor remembrance

Answer: (C)

The Marine Corps Birthday is celebrated on November 10, 1775. A traditional observance centers on a cake-cutting ceremony where the oldest and youngest Marines cut the cake; the first piece goes to the oldest Marine and the second piece to the youngest. The ceremony often includes the Reading of General John A. Lejeune’s Birthday Message to honor the history and ethos of the Marine Corps. While November 11 is Veterans Day and has its own separate observances, the canonical birthday observances focus on November 10, the cake-cutting, and Lejeune’s message.

The Marine Corps Birthday is celebrated on November 10, 1775. A traditional observance centers on a cake-cutting ceremony where the oldest and youngest Marines cut the cake; the first piece goes to the oldest Marine and the second piece to the youngest. The ceremony often includes the Reading of General John A. Lejeune’s Birthday Message to honor the history and ethos of the Marine Corps. While November 11 is Veterans Day and has its own separate observances, the canonical birthday observances focus on November 10, the cake-cutting, and Lejeune’s message.