Happy 231st Birthday Marine Corps!!

Being part of a Marine Corps Family this is a very important day for us, a day we all celebrate the creation of the Marine Corps. It all began back in Philadelphia on November 10, 1775 when congrss met and agreed that the Marines were needed. To me this is a day with lots of history and value, but I can't help but think of those that are celebrating in foreign lands and knowing they are thinking of us.

The military schools also celebrate this great day by letting the kids out of school, however the week of the 10th they have all types of fun, which we know it by spirit week. Funky hair day, red, white and blue day, voting day and of course Marine day, which is when everyone dresses like a Marine. This is the cutest time to see these little kids, all decked out like their military parents. It's kind of like Halloween all over again. On the 9th, the children will be inviting to the cafeteria to cut a cake of their own with a few high class Marines and yes the cake is cut with a sword. Woo hoo! See, we like our children to know a lot about history and have just as much fun as the parents do.

Depending on the state you live, your child may actually get to attend his/her own Marine Corps Mini Ball. My kids always loved this when we lived in Arizona, there was a cake walk, the cake cutting, prizes and lots of dancing. In other states, only the Young Marines are able to attend, check to make sure first.



One way you'll see many of the Marines actually celebrating is by going out to "The Ball." The ball is when all the Marines dress in their famous "Dress Blues," and go dancing. Women will wear fancy ball gowns, now if you happen to be a female in the military their is an outfit just for her as well, not as fancy as Dress Blues though. The ball is where they do everything traditional from the cutting the cake to the beginning where they walk through history in various uniforms, it's really amazing to watch. You'll feel like a big part of history. Besides these, there are cocktails, dancing (of course), dinner and a guest speaker.

Be on the look out for those "Dress Blues" this year, there might be a few more left going to the ball. Now, for those of you not in the military, not all the balls will be tonight. They've been having them since the beginning of the month. We can't all fit in one building.

Once again, Happy Birthday Marine Corps!!!

Coloring Sheets:
http://www.usmchangout.com/coloringpages.htm

Other fun things to do with your kids:
rent a bunch of movies on the night before to spend some quality time with them
bake a batch of cookies or make a cake to have your own ceremony
get them a small book on the military or about being a marine.