JACKSONVILLE, N.C. (WITN) – The U.S. Marine Corps celebrated its 250th birthday at Camp Lejeune this week.
Although the official birthday is November 10th, the traditional cake-cutting ceremony took place with the oldest and youngest members of the Marines.
“This is just a great thing to see, the pageantry and the traditions of the cake cutting. The birthday of the Marine Corps is always a great day for us,” said Marine veteran Paul Levesque.
Army veteran Wayne Gray said it’s a reminder of what service to the country represents.
“I dedicated ten and a half years of my life to the military. Served two in Vietnam, so this country means everything: life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. And so far, I’ve done pretty well,” Gray said.
The event also included a pageant show, honoring 16 Marine uniforms worn since its establishment in 1775, back when the material was made of cloth.
“We bleed red, white, and blue, and this country is really worth fighting for,” Levesque said.
Due to the ongoing government shutdown, active-duty Marines were not available to speak with the media.
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