The Marines of Marine Aviation Training Support Group 53 on Naval Air Station Whidbey Island know how to throw a party.

The annual Marine Corps Ball, held Nov. 10 at the NAS Whidbey Officers’ Club, was a first-class demonstration of Marine Corps precision and tradition, a fitting way to pay tribute to the history of the Marine Corps.

“As we celebrate the 236th birthday of our illustrious Corps, we should reflect on the values that bind us together in an elite brotherhood known as ‘Marines,’” said Gunnery Sgt. James Keck, the narrator for the evening. … “Our birthday is not only a time to reflect on our past, but to look forward to our future. As we anticipate a new era, each of us must prepare to face the challenges the future will bring.

“Our role as the ‘cutting edge’ of our nation’s forces will be more crucial than ever before, and the Marines of Whidbey Island are committed to be ready,” Keck continued.

Following an invocation by Cmdr. J.M. Hakanson, Navy chaplain, the official program was underway. Six Marine escorts marched in after the Adjutant’s call, lining the center of the room to usher in MATSG-53 Commanding Officer, Colonel Bradley C. Close, and the guest of honor, former Marine and Oak Harbor mayor, Jim Slowik. An intricate parade of colors followed, leading to the entrance of the traditional birthday cake, escorted by four Marines and followed by the Adjutant, Capt. Jack L. McKinnon.

McKinnon read from a scroll Article 38 of the 1921 edition of the U.S. Marine Corps manual, in which Lt. Gen. John A. LeJeune, the 13th Commandant of the Marine Corps, directed Marines of every command to give a reminder of the honorable service of the Corps each year.

“On Nov. 10th, 1775, a corps of Marines was created by a resolution of the Continental Congress,” read McKinnon. “Since that date, many thousand men have bore the name Marine. In memory of them, it is fitting that we who are Marines should commemorate the birthday of our Corps by calling to mind the glory of its long and illustrious history.”

In keeping with that rich history, Col. Close was presented with a sword, which he used to cut the ceremonial first piece of cake. Guest of honor Slowik took the first bite, followed by the oldest Marine present, retired Master Sgt. Victor Childs, who was born in 1919 and who enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1937. The cake was then passed to the youngest Marine present, Pfc. Kevin N. Papaj, who was born in 1992.

“The passing of the cake from the oldest to the youngest Marine symbolizes the passing of history and traditions to the next generation,” said Keck.

After the colors were retired, a video presentation from the Commandant of the Marine Corps, Gen. James F. Amos, was shown. The video message featured many Marines, both active duty and retired, who were involved in the events following 9/11 ten years ago. Guests watched the video intently, several brushing away tears, including NAS Whidbey Island commanding officer, Capt. Jay Johnston, who was at the Pentagon that day.

Then it was time for MATSG-53’s commanding officer to take center stage. Col Close quickly put guests at ease, joking about his son’s description of his dress uniform as his “special birthday suit” and thanking guests for covering their special birthday suits with something. He predicted everyone would have a good time, especially those attending a ball for the first time.

“By the end of tonight, this will be the best Marine Corps Ball you’ve ever seen,” Close said.

Close acknowledged active duty and retired Marines, Navy officers and distinguished guests.

“We are fortunate to have so many people here who believe in the Marine Corps and support us,” he said. “Thank you for coming. You honor us with your presence.”

“To become a Marine is a transition that can’t be undone,” Mayor Slowik told the audience, describing how he entered the Marines as a teenager in 1968. “The Marine Corps develops quality citizens that are driven by purpose and guided by its values. Out of the Marine Corps, you keep those values.”

As guests enjoyed the dinner and dancing that followed the program, some remarked about the Marines’ impeccable style.

“The Navy puts on a good ball,” said Navy Capt. Joe Pugh, “but the Marines, in everything they do, you can see the precision.”

For some of those attending, this ball would be their last.

“This is my 21st and last Marine Corps Ball,” said Lt. Col. Greg Bigalk, who has served both active duty and in the reserves. Bigalk was there with his wife, Brenda, and their children, 8-year-old Megan and 10-year-old Chaz. All of them were enjoying themselves on the dance floor.

“We told them we’d bring them to Daddy’s last ball,” said Brenda.

“I love the atmosphere, the camaraderie and the history behind the ball,” said Sgt. Maj. George Espinosa. “Every time you have a ball you get to see a new generation of Marines.”

Espinosa will retire in 2012 after 30 years in the Corps. Training and leading new Marines and serving as an advisor has been the highlight of his life, he said. For him, the 236th Marine Corps Ball was a celebration of much more than a birthday.

“I love this job,” he said. “It’s the greatest thing I’ve ever achieved.”