Thank you for your interest in the Ball

We are proud to announce that the 249th Marine Corps Birthday ball in the Marine Corps League First District in Indiana will be held at the Hard Rock Casino Northwest Indiana. The ball was a great success last year and nearly all proceeds from last years ball were used to kick start this year, and to keep the ball rolling we are excited for the new venue as well as the prospect of making this a premier event in our area.

First and foremost this is a celebration of the Marine Corps, second to that this is also a way for the local Marine Corps League Detachments to raise funds to use in our efforts to support local veterans and charities in our communities. We hope that everyone will continue to help us in our efforts to raise funds for our humble endeavors within the region.

From the Marine Corps:

"The annual Marine Corps Birthday Ball is a celebration of Marine Corps history and traditions. It represents where the Marine Corps started and where it is now; while giving us a glimpse of the past, present and future. Throughout the world on 10 November, Marines celebrate the birth of their Corps -- the most loyal, feared, revered, and professional fighting force the world has ever known.

In 1921, the 13th Commandant, Gen. John A. Lejeune, issued Marine Corps Order No. 47, Series 1921. Gen. Lejeune's order summarized the history, mission, and tradition of the Corps. It further directed that the order be read to all Marines each year on 10 November to honor the founding of the Marine Corps. Soon after, Marine commands began to not only honor the birthday, but celebrate it. In 1923 the Marine Barracks at Ft. Mifflin, Pennsylvania staged a formal dance. The Marines at the Washington Navy Yard arranged a mock battle on the parade ground. At Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, the Marine baseball team played a Cuban team and won with a score of 9 to 8. But this was only the beginning.

The first "formal" Birthday Ball took place in Philadelphia in 1925. Guests included the Commandant, the Secretary of War (known today as the Secretary of Defense), and a host of statesmen and elected officials. Prior to the Ball, Gen. Lejeune unveiled a memorial plaque at Tun Tavern, the birthplace of the Marine Corps. Then the entourage headed for the Benjamin Franklin Hotel for an evening of celebration.

Over the years the annual Birthday Ball grew, taking on a life of its own. In 1952, Commandant Gen. Lemuel C. Shepherd Jr. formalized the cake-cutting ceremony and other traditional observances. Current Marine Corps policy mandates that the first piece of cake must be presented to the oldest U.S. Marine present and passed to the youngest Marine representing the passing of tradition from generation to generation. Among the many such mandates is the reading of the Commandant's birthday message to the Corps. Like the U.S. Marine Corps itself, the annual Birthday Ball has evolved from modest origins to the dignified function it is today. On 10 November, regardless of where Marines are stationed or deployed, you will always hear “Happy Birthday Marine.”"

This is why we do this, TRADITION

The Dos and Don'ts of the Marine Corps Ball

The Birthday Ball is one of the biggest events on the Marine Corps calendar. It is a chance to get dressed to the nines, enjoy an evening of tradition, and celebrate the history of the Corps.

As the Ball is a formal affair both Marines and guests are expected to behave appropriately and follow rules of proper etiquette. If you are attending the Marine Corps Ball for the first time you are sure to have many questions running through your mind. What should you wear? How should you behave? What does ‘proper etiquette’ mean anyway?

Do wear something appropriate for the occasion. A simple way to choose an outfit is to base it on the uniform your service member is wearing. As Marines will be wearing their Dress Blues, female guests should select a floor-length gown to match the formality of the dress uniform. Male guests should wear a suit and tie or tuxedo.
Do be respectful of tradition. One of the highlights of the evening is the ceremony. This usually lasts around an hour and involves a cake cutting ceremony, speeches, the reading of General John A. Lejeune’s birthday message, and a birthday message from the current Commandant. Make sure you are seated before the ceremony begins and refrain from texting or talking while the ceremony is taking place. While photography during the ceremony may be allowed at some Birthday Balls, please check to ensure it’s acceptable at your event.
Don’t drink more than you can handle. While the Birthday Ball is intended to be a fun occasion, it is still a professional event for Marines. Give yourself a limit for the number of drinks you will have and be sure to space them out throughout the evening. If you do decide to drink, create a plan in advance to ensure you are able to get home safely.
Do be polite. Always remember to say ‘please’ and ‘thank you’, and address others as ‘Sir’ or ‘Ma’am’.
Do remember to have fun. The Marine Corps has a proud and illustrious history. While it is important to be on your best behavior at the Birthday Ball, don’t forget the purpose of the evening; to celebrate the Corps and all of its accomplishments.

Now that you know the Dos and Don'ts of Marine Corps Birthday Ball etiquette it’s time to put on your best (appropriate) outfit and attend your local Birthday Ball. It is sure to be a night to remember. If you have more questions about Birthday Ball Etiquette or just want to learn more about Marine Corps culture, reach out to your local Marine Corps League Detachment in the 1st district for more information. There is a link to the Howlin' Mad Detachment's website where the most current information will be kept.

Calumet Detachment #92 - IndianaMarines.com
Howlin Mad Detachment #93 - Howlinmad.org
Dunes Leathernecks Detachment #1056

We are also interested in Corporate and Personal Sponsorships, please see HERE for more information and to download a sponsorship form.

Marine Corps League First District 249th Birthday Ball

Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana

Team Members