Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Calif. -- Hundreds of Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron Marines celebrated the Corps’ birthday with a motivational run and cake cutting ceremony aboard Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Calif., Nov. 7.
Since the Marine Corps came to existence Nov. 10, 1775, Marines have taken time to dwell in the history of their predecessors by being a part of timeless traditions.
This pride and rich heritage forms from days of training and tradition during boot camp and officer candidate school. Both officers and enlisted Marines share the pride bestowed upon them upon becoming a Marine every year around the Marine Corps birthday.
“During the 238 years of the Marine Corps it doesn’t matter if you were here in the beginning, for 40 years or four years, we’re all a part of that tradition,” said Col. John Farnam, the MCAS Miramar commanding officer. “We all joined the Corps and now we are a part of that line, never to change.”
Traditionally, during a cake-cutting ceremony to honor the birth of the Marine Corps, cake is passed from the oldest Marine to the youngest Marine present. This symbolizes the passing of wisdom from one generation to the next.
“It’s a great honor to be a part of the ceremony and symbolize the passing of wisdom,” said Pfc. Coleman Hopkins, an administrative specialist with Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 361 and Sacramento, Calif., native. “It means a lot, I was pretty lucky to be the youngest Marine and take part in the ceremony.”
MCAS Miramar and the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing continue the time-honored traditions as the 238th birthday passes and Marines look forward to the 239th birthday to celebrate being a part of the United States Marine Corps.