Cadets mark 250 years of the Marine Corps

KELLOGG — Members of the Kellogg High School Marine Corps JROTC program celebrated the 250th birthday of the United States Marine Corps on Monday.

Retired U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Dave Carlile was the guest of honor, which included a ceremonial cake-cutting with a Mameluke sword and a full color and honor guard.

The words of 13th Marine Commandant Gen. John A. Lejeune’s birthday message rang throughout Andrews Gymnasium as Cadet Alex Cassidy read it aloud.

“On Nov. 10, 1775, a Corps of Marines was created by a resolution of Continental Congress,” Cassidy read. “Since that date many thousand men have borne the name Marine. In memory of them it is fitting that we who are Marines should commemorate the birthday of our corps by calling to mind the glories of its long and illustrious history.”

The first Marines enlisted inside Tun Tavern in Philadelphia 250 years ago under the Marine Corps’ first commissioned officer, Maj. Samuel Nicholas.

Carlile, who served in the 2008 Operation Azada Wosa and Operation Moshtarak — also known as the Battle of Marjah — in Afghanistan, said he was proud of the cadets, including his son, Preston, for carrying on the traditions of the Marine Corps.

Kellogg High School features Idaho’s only Marine Corps JROTC program and is one of just four high school JROTC programs in the state.

“It’s great to see these kids out here doing this,” Carlile said. “This is something, not only for their own personal development, but something they can use in the future. If they choose to go into the military, they’ll already have that foundation.”

Getting to be a part of the ceremony with his son was another emotion entirely.

“That was a great experience, both as a dad and a Marine,” he said. “To see him grow through it and develop as a young man is very important.”

The Marine Corps Ball has been a staple at Kellogg High School over the years, but this year they elected to have a formal ceremony at the school with a handful of Marine Corps veterans in attendance along with their fellow cadets.

Senior Marine Instructor Maj. Craig Petersen highlighted the cadets’ efforts over the past week, noting their attention to detail and their desire to make the ceremony feel as authentic as possible.

“I thought the cadets did a really good job,” Petersen said. “It’s a lot of work to put this thing on.”

    As part of Kellogg High School's Marine Corps Birthday Celebration, a Mameluke sword is used to cut the first slice of cake, which is given to the guest of honor. The second slice goes to the oldest Marine, who then passes it to the youngest Marine, symbolizing the passing of knowledge and experience.