A resounding “Oorah” echoed throughout the Pointe West Country Club as men and women gathered to celebrate the annual Marine Corps Ball hosted by the Indian River Detachment Marine Corps League. The event recognized the 250th Birthday of the United States Marine Corps established as the Continental Marines on Nov. 10, 1775, by the Continental Congress.
Guests in attendance embodied the Corps’ motto, Semper Fidelis (always faithful), as they upheld the courage and commitment of those no longer among them, continuing the reverence of the hallowed traditions that have officially been held since 1937.
During his welcome, Comdt. Dwight Harris explained that the festivities would include the three C’s: Ceremony, Celebration and Comradeship.
The ceremony began with an invocation led by Marine Corps Chaplain Frank Baudo, asking for blessings and guidance for the assembly and the Marine Corps League, and for protection for all Marines currently serving.
That was followed by the Sebastian High School Navy JROTC presentation of the colors, the National Anthem, a reading of the original charter, and rededication of the detachment flag, before Mike Bodnar recited the patriotic poem “Toast to the Flag,” by John Daly, a reminder that the flag embodies the principles, sacrifices, and enduring spirit of our nation and its people.
Bodnar then explained the symbolism of the items on a table set for two at the front of the room, one for a Marine and one for a Navy corpsman.
He explained that the small table signified the frailty of the prisoner, the plate with salt represented the tears the families shed for their lost loved ones, the lemon symbolized the bitterness of their fate, the Bible was a reminder that they serve one nation under God, and the empty chair and upside-down glass honored those missing in action or prisoners of war.
The ceremony continued with a moment of silence for prisoners of war, those missing in action, and local veterans who had passed away, including Capt. Charles Tobias, USMC, a resident of Vero Beach and the founder of Pusser’s Rum, since the last call. After a moment of silence, “Taps” were played, and the ringing of the ship’s bell signified the progression of the evening.
After dinner, the celebration continued with the traditional Cake Cutting, featuring the oldest and youngest Marines present – Frank Baudo and Jeff Palleschi, respectively – who shared the first slices of cake. The ritual symbolizes the passing of knowledge, honor and responsibility from one generation of Marines to the next.
Amidst the pomp and circumstance, the traditional toast to the Corps was made with Marine Corps punch (a secret recipe), and there was music, dancing and the recognition of various Marine divisions and all branches of service.
The Indian River Detachment Marine Corps League meets at 7 p.m. on the fourth Thursday of the month at the Voices for Veterans of Indian River County. For more information, visit mclirc.org.
Photos by Joshua Kodis
