Corps celebrates 227th birthday

Sgt. Maj. of the Marine Corps Alford L. McMichael spoke at the Embassy Suites Hotel during a ceremony sponsored by the Marine Corps Coordinating Council of Oklahoma.

McMichael, senior enlisted adviser to Marine Commandant Gen. James Jones, recognized the contributions of Marine veterans in attendance and compared their service with the war on terrorism fought by today's Marines.

The Marine Corps birthday celebration is observed by all Marines and is steeped in tradition. One is the cutting of the cake by the oldest and youngest Marines at the ceremony. The oldest passes a piece of cake to the youngest, signifying the passing of knowledge and tradition.

The emphasis on remembering the history of the Corps helps maintain the Marines' high standards, said McMichael, a native of Hot Springs, Ark.

Another tradition observed Friday was the recounting of a battle in which Marines played a pivotal role. The Marines recounted the 1944 invasion of Peleliu, an island in the southwest Pacific.

Marines were involved in fighting on the small island with some units suffering more than 50 percent casualties.

McMichael, who has served in the Marines for 32 years, spoke of the sacrifices made.

"Uncommon valor was a common virtue," McMichael said. "They will never be forgotten. It takes us to the battle we fight today against terrorism."

McMichael visited troops in Afghanistan during Operation Enduring Freedom. He said the Marines were excited to defend their country.

"They were just as courageous," McMichael said. "Not one of them asked when they were going home."

Many active-duty Marines attended the ceremony, including 1st Sgt. William Burton of Harlem, N.Y.

Burton, stationed at Fort Sill in Lawton, said he enjoyed meeting McMichael and hearing what he had to say.

"But what is more important is to celebrate the Marine Corps history with all of these retired Marines," Burton said.

Retired Marine Ernest Clark of Oklahoma City, who served during World War II, said he enjoyed sharing the pride he feels with so many other Marines.

"The pride is part of the training," Clark said. "The first thing my drill instructor said was, 'You're not in the Army, and you're not in the Navy, either. You are in the Marine Corps.' The Marine Corps slogan is, 'Once a Marine, always a Marine.'"

Said McMichael: "Nothing is more important than the defense of this nation.

"We've done it for 227 years, and we're ready to do it for 227 more."

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