U.S. Marine Corps Celebrates 240th Birthday

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DALLAS (CBS11) – The U.S. Marines are celebrating their 240th birthday, and a local group of veterans known as the Metroplex Marines gives us an inside look at one of their time honored celebrations.

As tradition dictates, a birthday cake is to be cut with a Marines sword with the first piece going to the guest of honor then the oldest Marine in the room gets the next slice followed by the youngest Marine.

26-year-old Sgt. Maxx Juusola an Afghanistan War veteran and 90-year-old PFC. Robert Hensley a World War II veteran were honored with the ritual at this years Metroplex Marines celebration.

Sgt. Juusola said "Its the passing of the torch from generation to generation… to signify the passing of the founding generations to the newer generations."

PFC. Hensley said each bite of cake and Marine Corps birthday celebration serves as a reminder of his call to service and the moment he decided to volunteer for the Marines after the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor.

He said, "They killed over 2,000 of our men. And we got so emotionally involved even though I was only 17 years old."

He added the traditions of celebrating the Marine Corps birthday help pass along the legacy and ensure "There will always be a Marine Corps...always."

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