505th TRS commemorates Marine Corps birthday

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. William Banton
  • 1st Special Operations Public Affairs
HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. --  To honor the 236th U.S. Marine Corps birthday, Marines stationed at the 505th Training Squadron celebrated with a cake-cutting ceremony Nov.11.

"This day has special significance for all Marines," said U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Gilberto Gonzalez, Marine liaison for the 505th TRS. "It makes them feel that they are a part of a team and helps to create the strong bond of loyalty between him and all other Marines that has become a distinguishing mark of the Corps."

The cutting of the Marine Corps birthday cake is an annual tradition that not only celebrates the history of the Marine Corps, but highlights each Marine's commitment to the corps.

"As we celebrate our 236th birthday, let us look forward to future challenges, whatever they may be, and reaffirm our pledge to be America's premier crisis response force; 'to be the first to fight... always ready for the toughest and most challenging assignments.' said Gen. James Amos, commandant of the U.S. Marine Corps in an annual birthday message.

The cake is customarily cut with the Mameluke sword, the swords marine officers carry. The sword was presented to the first Marine in 1805 by a Mameluke chieftain after Marines marched 600 miles across the North African desert to rid the "shores of Tripoli" from pirates.

The first piece of cake is traditionally presented to the guest of honor followed by the oldest Marine and youngest Marine present.

"The most outstanding custom in the Marine Corps is simply 'being a marine'
and all that it implies," Gonzalez said. "Call it morale, call it esprit de corps, call it what you will-- it is that pride which sets a U.S. Marine apart from the men of other armed services. It is not taught in manuals, yet it is the most impressive lesson a recruit learns in boot camp. It is not tangible, yet it has won fights against material odds."