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thedrifter
11-13-03, 07:45 PM
Embassy warriors celebrate Corps' Birthday
Submitted by: 4th Marine Expeditionary Brigade
Story Identification Number: 2003111391723
Story by Cpl. Nicholas Tremblay



U.S. EMBASSY KABUL, Afghanistan(November 13, 2003) -- Marines supporting Task Force Kabul here along with other Marines serving in Afghanistan celebrated the Marine Corps' 228 birthday with the traditional cake cutting ceremony.

The birthday message from the 13th Commandant of the Marine Corps, Gen. John A. Lejeune, was read in keeping with the traditions of the birthday ceremony. The message reminded Marines the importance of remembering the Marines who have gone before them and to recall the glories of the Corps' long and illustrious history.

When the narrator was finished reading Gen. Lejeune's message, he then read the message from the Corps' 33rd Commandant, Gen. M. W. Hagee. In the message, Gen. Hagee told Marines the importance of coming together to celebrate the Corps? birthday and to continue to succeed on and off the battlefield.

Once both birthday messages were read, Maj. Douglass Bell, task force commander, cut the two-tier birthday cake. He then handed the first piece of cake to Lt. Col. (ret) E. D. Miller, who at age 63, was the oldest Marine present. Miller served 36 years in enlisted, warrant officer and commissioned officer ranks and left the Corps' active ranks in 1994.

After receiving his piece of cake, Miller passed it to Lance Cpl. Kenneth A. Harrington Jr., who at age 19, was the youngest Marine present. The passing of the cake from oldest to youngest Marine symbolizes the passing of knowledge, history, tradition and Esprit-de Corps to the next generation who will lead the Corps.

The ceremony concluded with Marines' Prayer and the playing of 'Anchors Away' and 'Marines' Hymn.'

http://www.usmc.mil/marinelink/image1.nsf/Lookup/200311139290/$file/cake-cut-11low.gif

Maj. Douglas Bell, commander, Task Force Kabul, prepares to hand a piece of cake to, Lt. Col. (Ret.) Edwin Miller, (middle) during the Marine Corps Birthday cake cutting ceremony Monday in front of the embassy. Lance Cpl. Kenneth A. Harrington Jr. (left), the youngest Marine present waits to eat his cake while Cpl. Snider holds the ceremonial knife. Photo by: Cpl. Nicholas Tremblay


Sempers,

Roger
:marine: