Birthday Ball - Part 1

Posted on 29 Nov 2012 @ 10:44pm by Commodore Da`nal of the House of Varal & Lieutenant Sara'Marbela Har'tar & Captain Rebecca Post & Lieutenant JG Teresa Wendsar & Sergeant Dawn Brianna

1,109 words; about a 6 minute read

Mission: M9: Rest, Recovery, and Reflection
Location: SB 80 - Auditorium 5
Timeline: MD - 4 Nov. 10, 2389 - 2000hrs

ON:

Da`nal had not been able to celebrate the time honored tradition of the Marine Birthday with his Marines last year because of their deployment but this year he made sure as many of the crew as possible were here to honor their shipmates. He had set aside one of the stations many auditoriums and as Lance nodded that everything was ready he stepped to the podium.

As the Commodore move to his position Velez turned to those assembled. “ATTENTION TO ORDERS!â€

Da`nal, in full formal dress, took his position and looked out over his crew…making note of who was present. “At ease. Crew of the USS Achilles, together we have faced many hardships and many triumphs. Today we pause and celebrate a time honored tradition, we gather here to honor...to celebrate the 614th birthday of the Marine Corps. The history of what is now the Starfleet Marine Corps can trace its origins to Earth North American continent and the birth of the United State of America. While the political boundaries that once separate that planet have dissolved and the Corps has faced challenges to its very existence; the core values have remained. HONOR…COURAGE…COMMITMENT.

“The Corps stands on its traditions, so let me honor them as well.†Reading from the same script that has been used for centuries Da`nal continued.

“On November 1st, 1921, John A. Lejeune, 13th Commandant of the Marine Corps, directed that a reminder of the honorable service of the Corps be published by every command, to all Marines wherever they may be, on the Birthday of the Corps. Since that day, Marines have continued to distinguish themselves on many battlefields and foreign shores, in war and peace. On this Birthday of the Corps, therefore, in compliance with the will of the 13th Commandant, Article 38, United States Marine Corps Manual, Edition of 1921, is republished as follows:

‘On November 10, 1775, a Corps of Marines was created by a resolution of the Continental Congress. Since that date many thousands of men have borne that name Marine. In memory of them it is fitting that we who are Marines should commemorate the Birthday of our Corps by calling to mind the glories of its long and illustrious history.

The record of our Corps is one which bears comparison with that of the most famous military organizations in the world's history. During 90 of the 146 years of its existence the Marine Corps has been in action against the Nation's foes. From the Battle of Trenton to the Argonne, Marines have won foremost honors in war and in the long eras of tranquility at home, generation after generation of Marines have grown gray in war in both hemispheres, and in every corner of the seven seas so that our country and its citizens might enjoy peace and security.

In every battle and skirmish since the Birth of the Corps, Marines have acquitted themselves with the greatest distinction, winning new honors on each occasion until the term "Marine" has come to signify all that is highest in military efficiency and soldierly virtue.

This high name of distinction and soldierly repute we who are Marines today have received from those who preceded us in the Corps. With it we also received from them the eternal spirit which has animated our Corps from generation and has long been the distinguishing mark of Marines in every age. So long as that spirit continues to flourish Marines will be found equal to every emergency in the future as they have been in the past, and the men of our nation will regard us as worthy successors to the long line of illustrious men who have served as "Soldiers of the Sea" since the founding of the Corps.

Signed
JOHN A. LEJEUNE,
Major General
Commandant, United States Marine Corps’â€


“Traditionally, regardless of location, Marines pause to observe our birthday by sharing a cake and a meal. A sword is used to cut the cake as a reminder that we are a band of warriors, committed to carrying the sword, so that our Federation may live in peace.

Rebecca had watched this ceremony with quiet pride, although she had celebrated the birthday many times before this was the first time it had been particularly high scale, and was happy to see it. Nodding in response she stepped forward and drew her Mameluke Sword, the traditional bladed weapon of a Marine, back from the time of the First Barbary War on Earth. It wasn't the most useful of tools for cutting a cake but she managed to do it fairly competently.

Observing, the Commodore and everyone else who had gathered, that wore the dress blues, which she herself wore her dress uniform to the ceremony. Felt slightly out of place, being a part of the Navy that transported the Marines to shore afar. She watched and listened to the Commodore give his speech as she smile as her imagination drew up images of Earth's past and seeing Marines protecting, helping, and defending. Her eyes looked over to the commander when she handed the Marine sword off to the CO.

“The first piece of cake is presented to the Guest of Honor. The second piece is presented to the oldest Marine in the command, signifying the honor and respect accorded to experience and seniority. The oldest Marine this evening is Sergeant Major Velez, who was born on 2338.

“Symbolically, the eldest Marine present passes a piece of cake to the youngest Marine present, just as for years our experienced Marines have nurtured and led young Marines that will fill our ranks and renew our Corps. The youngest Marine present this evening is Private Forain Darax, who was born on 2370.â€

Da`nal paused as the traditional pieces of cake were handed out.

Teresa stood at attention, in a purple evening gown, next to Jason, in his dress uniform. Her eyes glistened with tears as she watched the solemn ceremony. Teresa respected tradition. She felt honored that she was included in such an honored tradition.

His eyes moved to catch another glance at Teresa in her gown. Remembering the sad little face that they had left behind when he picked up Teresa he made a note to bring her a piece of cake and one of the souvenir glasses...and some of the balloons.

Now that the ceremony was finished Da`nal took the glass Lance offered him, lifting it high. "To the past, present...and Future of your Corps. Enjoy the evening and Semper Fidelis." Da`nal moved off stage to find Ayren.

The room erupted in "OORAHs" as the music began....The party was on.


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TBC

 

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