Marines Celebrate 237th Birthday with Motivational Run

YOKOSUKA, Japan (NNS) -- Marines assigned to Fleet Anti-Terrorism Security Team, Pacific (FASTPAC) on board Fleet Activities (FLEACT), Yokosuka kicked off their observance of the U.S. Marine Corps 237th birthday with a motivational run and cake-cutting ceremony, Nov. 9.

FLEACT, Yokosuka Commanding Officer Capt. David Owen joined the Marines in their 2.5 mile run along with retirees and a few Sailors.

"It's the Navy/Marine Corps team," said Owen. "I'm an amphib Sailor myself, 'skippered' an amphibious ship and I have a close tie with the Marine Corps. It was an honor for me to participate with them."

The run began in the parking lot behind Navy Federal Credit Union (NFCU). The course took the runners down Clements PAC Blvd. to Nimitz Blvd., up and around command hill, up King Street, through the shipyard repair area past a couple of ship berths, back down Nimitz and Clements Blvds. and ended back at NFCU.
Following the run, Sailors and Marines gathered in the parking lot for a cake-cutting ceremony. FASTPAC Company Commander Maj. Marc Foster said, this run and cake cutting ceremony helps Marines remember and celebrate their heritage.

"It's a part of history and tradition," said Foster. "In order to go anywhere, you have to know where you started. We're all about pride and tradition. We're part of the Navy and we've determined that it's very important that we demonstrate our history by celebrating the Marine Corps birthday."

Foster then cut the ceremonial birthday cake and presented the first piece to the oldest Marine present, retired Col. Mike Williams, currently a contractor working for FLEACT, Yokosuka Operations.

"It's been 11 years since I retired and the old saying about: 'Once a Marine, always a Marine is true,'" Williams said. "I've gone places that have separated me from the Marine Corps family; it's like being home again. To be here with the younger Marines and keep up with them is special."

In accordance with tradition after receiving the first piece of cake, Williams then passed it to Pfc. Glen Douglas, 19, the youngest Marine present.

"It actually means a lot being able to see the generations before me, them having faith in me, carrying on what they started," said Douglas.

According to the Marines, the Second Continental Congress approved a resolution to raise two battalions of Marines Nov. 10, 1775 and the date is celebrated as the birth of the Marine Corps.

"We celebrate it all the time, no matter where you are, you celebrate it," said Foster. "If you're in a fighting hole, one Marine might break out an MRE (Meals Ready to Eat), pass it to another Marine and say, 'Happy Birthday, Marine!" This is what we do."

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