eEdition Subscribe Log in
Monday, March 31, 2025
42.0°F

Montana Life: 237th United States Marine Corps Birthday Ball

<p>The 237th United States Marine Corps Birthday Ball served as a drop-off location for Toys For Tots on Saturday, November 17, in Kalispell. The last day to drop off toys will be December 17. Toys will be delivered this year between December 21-23.</p>

<p>Retired Master Sgt. Tim Merklinger of Lakeside plays Taps at the 237th United States Marine Corps Birthday Ball on Saturday, November 17, in Kalispell.</p>

<p>Marines and their families stand for Doyle Carr's playing of the Marines' Hymn at the 237th United States Marine Corps Birthday Ball on Saturday, November 17, in Kalispell.</p>

<p>Joe Stimpson, left, and Ré Richards share a laugh at the 237th United States Marine Corps Birthday Ball on Saturday, November 17, in Kalispell.</p>

<p>Lt. Col. Mike Rasmussen and others applaud following a speech by Retired Col. Tom Sward at the 237th United States Marine Corps Birthday Ball on Saturday, November 17, in Kalispell.</p>

<p>Ceremonial items were set on a "Fallen Table" at the 237th United States Marine Corps Birthday Ball on Saturday, November 17, in Kalispell. Items include a candle, salt, symbolizing the tears endured by those missing and their families, and an inverted glass, symbolizing their inability to share in the evening's toast.</p>

<p>Retired Col. Tom Sward, center, is visibly moved as a moment of silence is taken to honor fallen Marines at the 237th United States Marine Corps Birthday Ball. Last year Sward was the guest speaker.</p>

<p>Chuck Lewis dances with his wife Linda Sappington at the 237th United States Marine Corps Birthday Ball on Saturday, November 17, in Kalispell.</p>

Previous Next
| November 21, 2012 11:09 AM

photo

&lt;p&gt;Retired Master Sgt. Tim Merklinger of Lakeside plays Taps at the 237th United States Marine Corps Birthday Ball on Saturday, November 17, in Kalispell.&lt;/p&gt;

photo

&lt;p&gt;Marines and their families stand for Doyle Carr's playing of the Marines' Hymn at the 237th United States Marine Corps Birthday Ball on Saturday, November 17, in Kalispell.&lt;/p&gt;

photo

&lt;p&gt;Joe Stimpson, left, and R&eacute; Richards share a laugh at the 237th United States Marine Corps Birthday Ball on Saturday, November 17, in Kalispell.&lt;/p&gt;

photo

&lt;p&gt;Lt. Col. Mike Rasmussen and others applaud following a speech by Retired Col. Tom Sward at the 237th United States Marine Corps Birthday Ball on Saturday, November 17, in Kalispell.&lt;/p&gt;

photo

&lt;p&gt;Ceremonial items were set on a &quot;Fallen Table&quot; at the 237th United States Marine Corps Birthday Ball on Saturday, November 17, in Kalispell. Items include a candle, salt, symbolizing the tears endured by those missing and their families, and an inverted glass, symbolizing their inability to share in the evening's toast.&lt;/p&gt;

photo

&lt;p&gt;Retired Col. Tom Sward, center, is visibly moved as a moment of silence is taken to honor fallen Marines at the 237th United States Marine Corps Birthday Ball. Last year Sward was the guest speaker.&lt;/p&gt;

photo

&lt;p&gt;Chuck Lewis dances with his wife Linda Sappington at the 237th United States Marine Corps Birthday Ball on Saturday, November 17, in Kalispell.&lt;/p&gt;