2011 End of Year Marine Ball – Abuja, Nigeria

Source: U.S. Embassy Abuja, Nigeria

On Saturday, November 12, in a ceremony steeped in over two centuries of tradition, the Marine Security Guard Detachment of the US Consulate General in Lagos celebrated the 236th anniversary of the United States Marine Corps with American, Nigerian and ex-patriot friends and colleagues. Since its establishment on November 10, 1775, United States Marines have honored the “Birthday” of the Marine Corps on or around November 10th every year, in times of war and of peace, in periods of prosperity and of challenge, wherever they are serving at that moment, in every corner of the globe.

In the stately ballroom of the Lagos Civic Center, the Lagos Marine Security Guard Detachment gave guests in attendance a glimpse into the storied world of the US Marine Corps. From the marching in of the “Colors” (the American flag) to the lighting of the Candle for Fallen Comrades, a sense of pride in the Corps radiated from every American in the room for what Ambassador Terence McCulley in his remarks referred to as “the martial traditions of our Marines.” Consul General Joseph Stafford displayed similar pride during his remarks, fondly remembering, with equal measures of humor and humility, several Marine Balls he had attended over the course of his career.

During one of the more unique Marine Ball customs, the cake cutting ceremony, Detachment Commander, Gunnery Sergeant Michael Rheault, cut a cake with his ceremonial sword, passing the first piece of cake to the Ambassador. The second piece of cake was then handed to the oldest Marine present, James D. Coats, Colonel, United States Marine Corps Retired, who took a bite of the cake before handing it to the youngest Marine present, Corporal Alexander Nichols, symbolizing the handing down of tradition from the older generation of Marines to the younger.

An evening of dinner and dancing followed, and for a few enjoyable hours, the assembled guests were able to devote themselves exclusively to celebrating our Marines. Happy Birthday, USMC!