U.S. Marine Corps turning 226 years old

The U.S. Marine Corps is marking its 226th birthday Nov. 10, and local Marines are celebrating.

Barry Perkins and Gene Franks are hosting the birthday party at American Legion Post 15 in Palmer on Nov. 10.

"When you are a Marine, you are always a Marine," Perkins said. "We used to do the ball in Anchorage, but we've been doing one out here for the last 10 or so years."

All Marines, as well as family members and friends of Marines, are invited to the birthday party, Perkins said. Tickets are $20 at the door, which includes prime rib dinner, door prizes and a band. The event is held annually on Nov. 10, the day before Veterans' Day is observed. In Anchorage, the dates have always fluctuated, but the Mat-Su Marines "have stayed true to the day," Perkins said.

Social hour starts at 5 p.m. and the ceremony gets under way at 6 p.m.

One custom is the cutting of the cake. The first piece is given to the oldest Marine in attendance, who then gives the piece to the youngest Marine in attendance.

"Last year we had a Marine who just got out of boot camp," Perkins said. "And there's always a battle as to who's the oldest. We've got a couple of old Marines who are really close to each other in age."