U.S. Marine Corps celebrates with yearly 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>
A jazz band had the dance floor jumping with couples of all ages. Some were in full military uniform; others were dressed to the nines. All were at Kalispell’s Hilton Garden Inn to celebrate the U.S. Marine Corps’ Birthday Ball Nov. 17.
“To Marines, it is Christmas, Fourth of July and New Year’s all rolled up into one,” retired Master Sgt. Tim Merklinger of Lakeside said. “Every Marine has two birthdays: the birthday from your parents and the birthday from the Marine Corps.”
This year’s celebration was also a fundraiser.
A silent auction with more than 100 items donated from local and U.S. businesses raised more than $5,000 for Montana Wounded Warriors and Operation Finally Home. Guests brought in at least 60 items for Toys for Tots, and several donations were made to the Northwest Montana Veterans Stand Down and Food Pantry.
“We do it because of our camaraderie, and all Marines are big-hearted and like to give back to their communities,” ball committee member Lt. Col. Daryl Russell said.
The Marine Corps’ 237th birthday was actually Nov. 10, but in the Flathead Valley, festivities were moved back a few days so party-goers could use the hotel ballroom. This was the second year the Flathead Marines have been in charge of throwing the birthday ball.
Prior to that, the celebration was organized by the Marine Corps League and wasn’t open to the public.
“No matter where we are, even in fox holes, we do a Marine Corps celebration,” Russell said.
It is to celebrate the birth by the Continental Congress and the camaraderie of the current Marines, and [to] toast and celebrate all the Marines that were before us and the Marines that are yet to come.”
For more information about the Flathead Marines, visit their website at www.flatheadmarines.com.