Marines, Sailors and civilian-Marines celebrate the Marine Corps’ 241^st birthday during a cake-cutting ceremony at Covella Pond aboard Marine Corps Logistics Base Albany, Nov. 1.

The ceremony highlight was a uniform pageant, where Marines represented various Marine Corps eras, and the reading of birthday messages from then-Maj. Gen. John A. Lejeune and Gen. Robert B. Neller, current commandant of the Marine Corps. 

Col. James C. Carroll III, commanding officer, MCLB Albany, cut the first piece of the Marine Corps birthday cake and presented it to the oldest Marine present, Sgt. Maj. Kenneth Agee, sergeant major, MCLB Albany. Agee then passed the slice to the youngest Marine present, Pfc. Mykerria Johnson, administrative clerk, Adjutant Office, MCLB Albany, who has been in the Marine Corps for 10 months.

“This is my first time celebrating the Marine Corps birthday,” Johnson admitted. “My focus was to stay in step with the sergeant major.”

After the cake-cutting ceremony, Carroll addressed the crowd.

“Although the calendar doesn’t read (November) 10, our actions today symbolize and underscore the significance our illustrious history,” Carroll said. “Just as Marines from previous generations paused during this season to recognize the birth of the Corps, we too, Marines here aboard Marine Corps Logistics Base Albany, want to do our part to ensure our traditions live on. 

“Our great nation remains free today and our citizens enjoy freedom from tyranny all because men and women from all walks of life continue to join ranks in the defense of our country and to fight for our ideals of life and freedom, not just for ourselves, but for humankind worldwide,” he said. “No doubt, this spirit lives on with the Marines of today and I believe will carry on for generations to follow.”

Carroll talked about how proud he was of the support MCLB Albany Marines, Sailors, civilian-Marines and their families give to the installation and community.

“Marine Corps Logistics Base Albany has successfully supported the United States Marine Corps (more than) six decades,” he stated. “The base has formed and maintained a strong relationship with the community, and (is) well positioned to meet future Marine Corps/(Marine Corps Logistics Command) requirements. 

“With the exception of airfield operations, MCLB Albany provides all other installation support services of the (base) business model through the safe execution of facilities management, infrastructure sustainment as well as a range of tailored services that enable global projection of integrated logistics in support of the warfighter,” Carroll pointed out. “Without question, your work and support definitely sends a crystal, clear message to the nations would-be enemies of superior strength that continues to produce battlefield success.

“I’m humbled as well as inspired to be among this great association, United States Marines and all those who love and support our Corps, customs, courtesies and traditions,” he concluded. “Since 1775, our Corps has been winning on all fronts. Marine Corps Logistics Base Albany, let’s continue to do our part and ‘Win to the End’!!  Semper Fidelis.”

Sgt. Ariana M. Light, assistant financial manager, Logistics Support Division, MCLB Albany, represented World War II female Marines during the pageant.

“It was an honor and a privilege to represent the World War II female Marines, especially with the world we live in today where people are constantly striving for equality,” Light said. “We, as Marines, have a duty to uphold tradition and showcase ourselves and the legacy that we are a part of. The Marine Corps continually takes that first step and I am proud to be in an institution where I can truly say I belong.”