Left to right: Colonel Steve Sanford, USMC (Ret.); Corporal Fred Cass, USMC; and Colonel Jim Rosenthal, USMC (Ret.)
The Quail Creek Semper Fi Club (QCSFC) celebrated the 250th Marine Corps Birthday on Nov. 11 (the Quail Creek Veterans’ annual golf tournament was on Nov. 10, the actual birthday).
The Marine Corps Birthday was formally established by Marine Corps Order No. 47 on Nov. 1, 1921, by Major General John A. Legeune, Commandant of the Marine Corps. Over the years, the formalization of the ceremony has included the traditional cake-cutting ceremony. This includes the recognition of the guest of honor receiving the first piece of cake. The second piece of cake is given to the oldest Marine present, who then passes that piece to the youngest Marine present. This represents the passing of our history and traditions from the oldest Marines to the youngest Marines. Another tradition is to cut the cake with the Marine Corps officer’s Mameluke sword, which symbolizes honor (band of warriors), authority, and military service.
This year’s guest of honor was Colonel Steve Sanford, USMC (Ret.). The oldest Marine was Corporal Fred Cass, USMC, and the youngest was Lieutenant Colonel Jim Rosenthal, USMC (Ret.).
The Semper Fi Club is made up of Marines, retired Marines, Marine veterans, and Marine spouses and friends of the Corps. Navy corpsmen who served with the FMF (Fleet Marine Force) hold a place of honor with Marines and are encouraged to attend.
The QCSFC meets the first Thursday of the month at 9 a.m. in the Madera clubhouse Gold Room for coffee and war stories.