Camp Lejeune Marine Corps Birthday Ball — November 10

If you live in Jacksonville long enough, you'll hear someone say it: "Happy birthday, Marines." November 10 is the date the Continental Congress authorized two battalions of Marines in 1775 at Tun Tavern in Philadelphia — and every Marine, active or retired, observes it. In Camp Lejeune country, the Marine Corps Birthday Ball is the social event of the year.

The Tradition

The Birthday Ball follows traditions that have been observed in some form since the 1920s, formalized into the modern ceremony by General Lemuel Shepherd in 1956. Every ball — from formal Pentagon events to small detachment gatherings — includes the same core elements:

• Reading of General Lejeune's Birthday Message (written 1921, read every year since)
• Cake-cutting ceremony using a Mameluke sword
• First piece of cake to the guest of honor; second to the oldest Marine present; third passed to the youngest Marine present (symbolizing the passing of experience)
• Toasts — to fallen comrades, to the Corps, to the United States
• Formal dinner, music, and dancing

Where in Jacksonville

There isn't one official "Camp Lejeune Birthday Ball" — most units, battalions, and Marine organizations host their own. Common venues around Jacksonville include:

• The Crystal Coast Civic Center
• Marston Pavilion (on base)
• Larger hotels in the Wilmington / Jacksonville corridor
• Onslow Senior High School auditorium for some larger combined unit events

Independent veteran organizations, the Marine Corps League, and other groups also host smaller balls open to the broader community.

Attire

The Birthday Ball is the most formal event most Marine families attend in a given year:

• Active-duty Marines: Dress Blues (Alpha or Bravo, depending on the unit's call)
• Spouses and dates: Formal floor-length gowns are the norm; cocktail dresses are acceptable at smaller events but check the invitation
• Civilian guests (non-uniform military, veterans): Black tie or dark business suit

For New Marine Families

If this is your first Birthday Ball and you're new to Jacksonville, a few practical notes:

• Dress shopping starts in September. Local boutiques in Jacksonville stock formal gowns through fall — check our boutique directory. Many spouses also drive to Wilmington or order online.
• Hair and makeup appointments book up fast. Reserve at a Jacksonville salon by mid-October to be safe.
• Hotels fill up. If you don't live close to the venue, book a room for the night — dancing till midnight in heels makes the drive home rough.
• Ride-share. Lots of toasts. Lyft and Uber both operate in Jacksonville now but get scarce after 11 PM on big-event nights.

The Meaning

The Birthday Ball isn't just a fancy party. For Marines, it's the one night a year when the entire community — old salts, brand-new boots, families, civilians — stands together to remember why the Marine Corps exists and what it has cost. For a Marine spouse, it's where you really feel like part of the family. For a Jacksonville civilian invited as a guest, it's an honor and worth attending if you ever get the chance.

Semper Fidelis. Happy Birthday, Marines.