U.S. Marines and their families gathered at the Wells-Hussey American Legion Post in Damariscotta to celebrate the 240th birthday of the U.S. Marine Corps Tuesday, Nov. 10.
The Wells-Hussey Post has hosted a U.S. Marine Corps birthday party since 2007 with a potluck supper and a birthday cake cut with a ceremonial sword.
The birthday ceremony started with Marine Ralph Eugley III reading the birthday message from U.S. Marine Corps. Gen. Robert B. Neller, commandant of the Marine Corps.
“Whether you served on the hallowed grounds of Belleau Wood, fought on the iconic island battlefields of World War II, navigated the harsh terrain and climate of the Chosin Reservoir or Vietnam, conducted assaults during Desert Storm, marched on Baghdad, fought in the close combat in Fallujah, or conducted combat operations in Afghanistan, everyone who wears the eagle, globe, and anchor is a member of the storied legacy … Thank you all for guarding the legacy of our Corps during your watch. Happy birthday, Marines,” Neller said.
Following the reading of the commandant’s message, the cake was cut by U.S. Marine Corps 1st Sgt. Floyd Seiders. Marine Ralph Eugley Jr., 90, the oldest Marine present, served the first piece of cake to the youngest Marine present, Zach Gilbert, 20.
Ralph Eugley Jr. served in the Marine Corps during World War II, enlisting in 1943 and serving until 1943; and the Korean conflict, re-enlisting in 1950 and serving until 1952. He was in the Battle of Inchon and the Chosin Reservoir.
Eugley’s son, Ralph Eugley III, is a Marine Corps veteran, and his son, Jarrett Eugley, recently joined the Marines through the delayed entry program. Jarrett Eugley, a senior at Lincoln Academy, will start active duty after he graduates in June 2016.
The U.S. Marine Corps was established Nov. 10, 1775 by the Continental Congress in Philadelphia as a force capable of fighting for independence on land or sea.