MCB HAWAII, KANEOHE BAY, Hawaii -- Children from around MCB Hawaii, Kaneohe Bay, gathered at the Lifestyles, Information, Networking, Knowledge, and Skills House, Nov. 2, to hold their own celebration of the Marine Corps' birthday, during the 2nd annual LINKS Kids Marine Corps Birthday Ball.
Complete with the Marine Forces Pacific Band performing live music, and a cake-cutting ceremony, in which the youngest and oldest child in attendance tasted the first slices, more than 20 youngsters showed up to take in the festivities.
Lieutenant Col. Joseph Bowe, commanding officer of Headquarters Bn., and Sgt. Maj. William Wilson, Headquarters Bn. sergeant major, spoke with the children and their parents on the history and traditions surrounding the Marine Corps birthday.
"Two hundred and twenty seven years is a very long time," Bowe said. "This is an important holiday for Marines and everyone on the base. It's a very big part of our history, and we celebrate it like any other birthday: We have a birthday cake."
Bowe and Wilson together led the cake-cutting ceremony. Slices were cut with the Mameluke Sword and passed out to the children.
After the playing of the Marines' Hymn and Anchors Away by the MarForPac Band, the kids retired to making crafts, eating cupcakes and enjoying the occasion.
"It's very important for these young ones to understand what they are celebrating," said Wilson to parents in attendance. "Someday, they might find themselves here as Marines, celebrating the Marine Corps birthday at a real ball."
"We just wanted to give something back to the kids," said Nico Duncan, one LINKS volunteer who spoke at the ceremony.
"They always see us getting dressed up to go to the ball, so we figured it was their turn."