Every November 10th Marines gather worldwide to cut birthday cakes with Mameluke swords in a more than 100 year old tradition that recognizes the official birthday of the United States Marine Corps. The cake and meal celebration was started in 1921 by then Commandant Major General John A. Lejeune to encourage public recognition of the importance of the Marine Corps.
“Nov. 10, 1775, was the date the Second Continental Congress authorized raising two battalions of Continental Marines. The recommendation came with a proposal for an annual celebration that would remind both Marines and the American public of the Corps’ long history and its service to the nation.”
CONCORD, NH – Active and retired Marines turned out with family and friends on Nov. 10 at the New Hampshire State House for a ceremonial flag raising, a cake cutting ceremony, and a shared meal.
Department Commandant Cody Dumont spoke of the earliest Marines being assigned to Navy ships including the USS Raleigh, depicted on the NH State Seal. The Raleigh was one of the first warships commissioned by the Continental Congress for the Navy during the American Revolutionary war.
The formal cake cutting ceremony followed a tradition that was narrated by retired Lt. Colonel Michael Moffett.
“The Marine Corps birthday cake cutting ceremony is important to all Marines. It is the annual renewal of each Marine’s commitment to the Corps and to the Corps commitment to our nation’s quest for peace and freedom worldwide. The cake is traditionally cut with a Mameluke sword. The Mamaluke sword is used to cut the cake as a symbolic reminder that Marines are warriors, committed to carrying the sword, so that our nation may live in peace.”
Long standing custom had the first cut of cake given to their honored guest, Governor Kelly A. Ayotte (delivered the Marine way). The second piece was given “as a sign of honor and respect to the experience and seniority of the eldest Marine present.” Here it was Robert Patenaude born in 1938 who symbolically then passed the 3rd piece of cake directly to the youngest Marine present, Sgt. Jamal Munnerlyn born in 2001.
(L-R) Sgt. Jamal Munnerlyn, Robert Patenaude, NH Governor Kelly A. Ayotte, with Department Commandant Cody Dumont looking on as slices of cake were delivered in true Marine Corps style. Photo | Keith Spiro
Marine Corps Traditions
These actions symbolized the passing of wisdom, knowledge, and experience as well as trust to carry on Marine Corps traditions. There are also Black Tie events and formal dress Marine Corps balls held at this time and particularly this 250th anniversary year as well as musical celebrations thanking veterans.
More photos and previous year(s) celebrations can be found here.