(Bernard S. Little/Video Rick Reyes, WRNMMC CC)

The “one team” at Walter Reed Bethesda celebrated the 245th birthday of the U.S. Marine Corps during a cake-cutting ceremony Nov. 5 in front of the historic Tower on Naval Support Activity Bethesda (NSAB).

The official birthday of the U.S. Marine Corps is Nov. 10, 1775, when the Second Continental Congress established the Continental Marines with a decree stating, “That two battalions of Marines be raised consisting of one colonel, two lieutenant-colonels, two majors and other officers, as usual in other regiments; that they consist of an equal number of privates as with other battalions.”

The decree also stated the Continental Marines consists of “good seamen, or so acquainted with maritime affairs as to be able to serve for and during the present war with Great Britain and the Colonies; unless dismissed by Congress; that they be distinguished by the names of the First and Second Battalions of Marines.”

“The great things about serving in this wonderful, joint medical treatment facility is being able to come together as one team [to accomplish the mission], and being able to celebrate the unique service cultures [that make up our team],” said Walter Reed National Military Medical Center (WRNMMC) Director, Army Col. (Dr.) Andrew Barr.

“When one thinks of excellence and esprit de corps, we think of the U.S. Marine Corps,” Barr added. “Present throughout the history of our nation’s conflicts, and especially in modern times, Marines serve with honor, valor and sacrifice,” said the WRNMMC director. “They show us what discipline and selfless service are all about.”

“At WRNMMC, we are honored to care for our Marines, in peacetime and in war, in their moment of injuries and throughout their healing process, in their wellness and their readiness,” Barr continued. “We’re honored to serve with you, and to serve you in that capacity.” he furthered.

Guest of honor, retired Marine Col. Russell Blauw, said the Marine Corps birthday each year is a time for all Marines to rededicate and recommit themselves to their corps.

Blauw, who retired after nearly three decades in uniform, said it’s a “personal and professional burden” to be a Marine. “You’ve got to earn [being a Marine] every single day. It means something to be a U.S. Marine, and people expect certain things of the U.S. Marines. You have to act and perform in a certain way. You are a Marine 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. It’s in you and a part of you.

“You never want to let the Marine Corps down, and you never want to let a fellow Marine down,” Blauw continued. “No matter what your job is in the Marines, you’ve got to do your job [because] it takes the whole team for the Marines to operate. The good news is you have help, because we do everything as a team in the Marine Corps, just like the other services,” he added.

“We also have those who have gone before us,” Blauw said. “Those who have given the ultimate sacrifice are counting on us to uphold that name of what it means to be a Marine.”

Blauw called the families of Marines their “rocket fuel and real strength because you know how they are counting on us.”

“Remember the United States does not need a Marine Corps,” Blauw said. “The United States wants a Marine Corps, and we always have to uphold that legacy [of honor, courage and commitment] so that they’ll keep wanting a Marine Corps. Semper fidelis,” he concluded.

Following Blauw, Marines then marched on the ceremonial cake to the words of Marine Corps Order No. 47, issued by then Commandant of the Marine Corps Maj. Gen. John A. Lejuene in 1921. The order is read annually throughout the world in celebration of the Marine Corps birthday. In part, the order states: “On Nov. 10, 1775, a Corps of Marines was created by a resolution of Continental Congress. Since that date many thousand men have borne the 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….In every battle and skirmish since the birth of our corps, Marines have acquitted themselves with the greatest distinction...until the term ‘Marine’ has come to signify all that is highest in military efficiency and soldierly virtue.”

In Marine Corps tradition, the ceremony included the cutting of the birthday cake, with the first piece going to Blauw as the guest of honor, and the second piece going to the Marine most senior in age in attendance, retired 1st Sgt. Melissa Mimms. Mimms then passed her piece of cake to the youngest Marine in attendance, Lance Cpl. K.C. Higer, symbolizing not only the experience and youthful spirit of the Marine Corps, but also the passing of corps’ heritage and tradition from one generation to the next.

The Quantico Marine Corps Band then played The Marine’s Hymn, concluding the ceremony organized by the Marine Liaison Office, Walter Reed Detachment, Wounded Warrior Battalion-East.

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