Northeast Mississippi Veterans Celebrate U.S. Marine Corp’s 243rd Birthday

TUPELO, MISS. (WCBI) – They are known as the world’s best fighting force and Northeast Mississippians helped the United States Marine Corps celebrate its birthday this weekend.

The Marine Corps League Detachment 1220 held a “Birthday Ball” in Tupelo.

The event celebrated the 243rd birthday of the United States Marine Corps.

Former Marines attended the birthday bash at the Summit Center.

Guests enjoyed a meal, a cake cutting ceremony, and a speech from the Commandant of the Marine Corps League for the state of Mississippi.

Ronald Polk says what Marines learn during their time in the service, stays with them throughout their entire lives.

“All enlisted Marines go through two different boot camps, one or the other, Parris Island, South Carolina, or San Diego, California.  It’s a very stressful type of commitment you make and in boot-camp, you learn what the Marine Corps is about. You get that feeling of fellowship and you’re never called a Marine, until you leave boot-camp. Once you earn the title, United States Marine, it’s with you for life. No one can ever take it away from you,” says Ronald Polk, of the Mississippi Marine Corps League.

Special recognition was given to the oldest and youngest Marines at the event.

Similar birthday celebrations took place across the country.