On Friday, November 7th, representatives from War in the Pacific NHP, the US Navy, the Government of Guam Historic Preservation Office, and the Arizona Museum Memorial Association attended the Marine Corp Ball in order to help recognize and celebrate the 228 birthday of the US Marine Corps.
The Marine Corps Ball was held at the Holiday Inn on Guam and was an elegant and classy occasion. In attendance were many high-ranking military officials, Congresswoman Madeline Bordallo, Lieutenant Governor Kaleo Moylan, distinguished historians, active duty Marines, and many veterans who were instrumental in the Liberation of Guam in July of 1944. Friends and supporters of the Marine Corps were also in attendance to support this important event.
The ceremony began with the presenting of the colors and the playing of the National Anthem and the Guam Hymn. Once the ceremony begun, many distinguished military officials gave informative and enlightening speeches. Toni Ramirez, Guam historian, presented and narrated a slide-show which attested to the history, contributions, and accomplishments of the Marine Corps over the years. Following the wonderfully designed slide show, Jennings Bunn, Cultural Resource Manager for the Navy, read a poem that was written by a Marine who participated in the battle for Guam. The poem was amazing and touching as it detailed the struggles and challenges associated with the Battle for Guam. After the slide show and the reading of the poem, War in the Pacific National Historical Park Superintendent, Eric Brunnemann, spoke about the importance of recognizing and honoring returning and surviving veterans during the 60th Anniversary of the Liberation of Guam. Brunnemann proclaimed that this year would be a “Year of Remembrance” and stressed that War in the Pacific National Historical Park and American Memorial Park both will be hosting numerous activities to commemorate and honor the veterans and survivors of the WWII in the Pacific theater.
Perhaps some of the most sentimental and moving portions of the ceremony was the playing of “Taps”. Taps was preformed in front of an empty table; the setting of an empty table served to symbolize the fallen comrades who were unable to attend the ceremony because of their ultimate sacrifice. In addition to the presentation of the Table for the Fallen, other traditions which were honored were the cutting of the birthday cake with a sword, and the passing of a piece of birthday cake from the oldest veteran in attendance to the youngest active Marine.
The ceremony was beautiful and amazing and it was a pleasure and a delight for employees of War in the Pacific National Historical Park to be able to participate in recognizing and applauding the 228th birthday of the Marine Corps. It was the Marine Corps that was responsible for the Liberation of Guam on July 21, 1944, and it will be War in the Pacific National Historical Park’s distinct honor to commemorate those who served and suffered during the 60th Anniversary of the Liberation of Guam.
