Marine Corps Ball: Can I sit down please?

After my Marine Corps Ball post last week I received quite a few emails with more questions on the Marine Corps ball. One of the most frequently asked questions, aside from what to wear, is what the Ball is all about. Why do they have it? What is it about? Why are those guys standing up and why do I have to stand up? So, before that wonderful date in November, please read this and hopefully, it will help answer a few of those questions.

The Ceremony (or Why I Hate These Shoes - Can I sit down please?)

So enough history and on to what the Birthday Ball is all about.

Birthday Balls may be Enlisted, Officer or a combination of both. Personally, I think segregation of the Balls is not consistent with the Esprit de Corps of the Marine Corps. However, it depends upon the size of the Marine unit and the whims of the senior staff. I've been to all types. Also, Balls are dependent upon the funding of the unit. Have you seen those base car washes? They're trying to get money for the Ball. The price of the ticket depends on how much money the unit has for their Ball funding. And some units have more money than others which is why some Balls are incredible and elaborate shows (CENTCOM) and others are very simple (PISC).

Election Day Crafts

I found these super cute election day crafts of Kaboose. Teach your kids all about the voting process with these fun crafts. Make sure to visit our fall crafts, printables and Presidents' Day page for even more fun. 

Ballot Box

Have your very own mock-election in class this Election Day!

Voting Booth
This adorable craft goes hand in hand with the ballot box and pin!

Future Voter Button
Declare your future voting status with this patriotic pin!

Election Day

Don't forget today is election day folks! Even though it's not a presidential election year, it's just as important that everyone gets out there and votes! I'm not gunna preach too much about it, just wanted to send a little reminder out to everyone (-:

Veteran’s Day meals and deals

Here are the Veteran’s Day thank you meals and deals and freebies that I have found. Please check the individual websites for information about the ID requirements and fine print. If you hear of any others, please leave me a comment.

FOOD FREEBIES 

Outback Steakhouse- on Thursday, November 11, 2010 all veterans and active duty military will receive a free Bloomin’ Onion and beverage. Outback wants you to share your military hero stories and photo on their Facebook wall at www.facebook.com/outback.

McCormick and Schmick’s - Sunday, November 7th, Veteran’s Appreciation Event. Get a free entree from a special menu. Please make a reservation.

Applebees- all veterans and active duty military get a free entree on November 11th. Some ID or a photo is required. Get the details at www.applebees.com/vetsday

Marine Corps Ball: Why Celebrate?

After my Marine Corps Ball post last week I received quite a few emails with more questions on the Marine Corps ball. One of the most frequently asked questions, aside from what to wear, is what the Ball is all about. Why do they have it? What is it about? Why are those guys standing up and why do I have to stand up? So, before that wonderful date in November, please read this and hopefully, it will help answer a few of those questions.
 

Why Celebrate? History and Traditions and Semper Fi's

The Marine Corps Ball is a long held tradition with a single purpose - to celebrate the birth of our beloved Corps way back on November 10, 1775 in a bar known as Tun Tavern. And while the official birthday of the Corps was not recognized until 1921 (before then, it was celebrated without honor in July), the emergence of a Marine Corps Birthday Ball didn't start until 1925 at the insistence of Major Edwin McClellan and wasn't formalized for many years to come.