Combat Center Marines celebrate 241st with uniform pageant

Twentynine Palms -- For 241 years Marines have served as the nation’s force in readiness, always prepared to defend our country and Constitution from America’s adversaries. Over the years, Marines have donned many different uniforms to meet the needs of the time and to remain ever-ready to answer the call of duty.

Combat Center Marines celebrated their rich history and the Marine Corps’ 241st birthday with the annual Marine Corps Birthday Uniform Pageant at Lance Cpl. Torrey L. Gray Field, Nov. 10, 2016. The Combat Center Color Guard carried the colors as the national anthem, Marines' Hymn and Anchors Aweigh played in honor of the birthday.

During the event, Marines dressed in uniforms from different time periods, dating as far back as 1775, and took turns speaking lines detailing the history and battles that their garb associated with. Navy Corpsmen also received recognition for their years of service alongside Marines throughout history.

“What makes us different as U.S. Marines is our legacy and true understanding of our history in every single Marine from the youngest private to oldest general,” said Sgt. Maj. Avery Crespin, battalion sergeant major, Headquarters Battalion. “That’s what these uniforms represent.”

At the conclusion of the event, Brig. Gen. William F. Mullen III, Combat Center Commanding General, performed the traditional cake-cutting ceremony wherein the oldest and youngest Marines each received pieces of birthday cake.

While the ceremony displayed how the Marines’ wardrobe has changed many times over the years, it reaffirms that the ‘Esprit de Corps’ that defines the Marine Corps as the nation’s most effective fighting force remains the same.

“It’s an honor to be able to represent those who have served before us,” said Pfc. Oseas Osio III, artillery technician, Exercise Support Division, dressed in a uniform from the War of 1812. “It’s important that we take time on the Marine Corps’ birthday to honor our past uniforms and those who have served in them.”