INAUGURAL MARINE BALL IN LUANDA, ANGOLA

Ambassador Efird with the Honor Guard during the singing of the US Anthem.

On November 4th, 2006, the Luanda Marine Security Guard Detachment hosted its first ever Marine Corps Birthday Ball at the Costa Do Sol Esso Hotel. The gala event commemorating the 231st Birthday of the U.S. Marine Corps was attended by approximately 200 Americans, Angolans, and the resident diplomatic and expatriate community. The birthday anniversary consisted of colorfully choreographed ceremonies and processions in the rich tradition and history of the Marines. Notable events included the introduction of the Marine Security Guard Detachment by the Detachment Commander, Gunnery Sergeant Greg Rendon, a "March on the Colors," paying Honors to the Guest of Honor, the Honorable Cynthia G. Efird, U.S. Ambassador to Angola, and the playing of the U.S. National Anthem by a local Angolan church choir.

One of the highlights of the event was the cutting of the Marine Birthday Cake. Although it sounds simple, much time and effort was put into this ceremony. The Marines took their proper places around the cake and marched slowly to the center of the stage. There the Detachment Commander handed the traditional cake cutting instrument, a 32" Noncommissioned Officer’s Sword, to the Ambassador to cut the first piece of cake. Then  General John L. Lejune's, 13th Commandant of the Marine Corps, birthday message was readout to the attendees. Following this, the first piece of cake was presented to the Guest of Honor and the second to the oldest Marine in attendance. As has been done for 231 years symbolically, the eldest Marine presented the third piece of cake to the youngest Marine in attendance, Sgt Rosa Hernandez.

After the cake cutting ceremony, the Guest of Honor, Ambassador Efird, read the

Luanda Marines pose with former DAO Officer, Jeff Harris.

Secretary of State's birthday message to the audience and then gave her own inspiring speech. The guest speaker this year was William J. Cummings, a huge supporter of the Marine Security Guard Detachment, who punctuated his remarks with anecdotes of his own experience as a former Army officer. Bill's speech brought the evening’s official ceremony to a close. The guests were treated to a buffet style dinner and then they danced the night away. All be told, the event was a huge success with everyone stating they had a great time and that the Detachment did an outstanding job.

The gala, unlike any other in Luanda, is destined to be a premier yearly event to look forward to where Americans, Angolans, and others come together to celebrate and pay tribute to the Marines. Bravo the Marines for a great start of a Great Tradition!