Marine Corps 245th Birthday

Every year around the Marine Corps’ Nov. 10 birthday, Marines around the world gather to celebrate the history and honor of the Corps while recognizing the young Marines who make up its future.

Parties rage from Las Vegas to San Diego to Okinawa, Japan, while more subdued celebrations are held by forward-deployed Marines in the Middle East. Everywhere, a birthday cake is cut and the birthday message from the 13th Marine Corps Commandant Gen. John A. Lejeune is read.

But in 2020 due to the global COVID-19 pandemic the celebrations may face new restrictions, Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps Troy Black warned Friday in a message posted on Facebook.

“Marines, Sailors, and family members, although several months away, it is probable that many COVID-19 restrictions will still be in place come November 10, 2020 limiting the size and scope of unit Birthday Ball Ceremonies,” Black wrote in the message, first reported by Task & Purpose.