Master Sgt. Derrick Craft reads the traditional Marine Corps birthday message from the 13th Commandant of the Marine Corps, Gen. John Lejeune, Nov. 6 at the Gateway Club. Since 1921, General Lejeune's inspirational birthday message has been read each year during the Corps' birthday celebration. (U.S. Air Force photo/Alan Boedeker)

Chief Warrant Officer 3 Shane Rawlins, Marine Corps Det. commanding officer (left), passes the first piece of birthday cake to the guest of honor, Sgt. Eric Morante, a wounded warrior from Brooke Army Medical Center. Sergeant Morante was wounded by an Improvised Explosive Device while serving in Iraq in 2007. (U.S. Air Force photo/Alan Boedeker)

Chief Warrant Officer 3 Shane Rawlins, Marine Corps Det. commanding officer, administers the oath of enlistment to Gunnery Sgt. James Cowell (right) during the Marine Corps Birthday Ball Nov. 6. (U.S. Air Force photo/Alan Boedeker)

During the "Marching of the Cake," Marine escorts bring the birthday cake in as the Marines Hymn is played. The Marine Corps birthday cake-cutting ceremony is important to all Marines, as it is an annual renewal of each Marine's commitment to the Corps. (U.S. Air Force photo/Alan Boedeker)