U.S. Marine Corps celebrates 246th birthday with a ball at Bend Elks Lodge

(Update: Adding video, comments)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- Across the country, Nov. 11 marks the annual observance of Veterans Day, as Americans honor all those who have served or are serving their country in the armed forces.

As is another tradition, the celebration gets under way a bit early for the U.S. Marine Corps, as it marked its 246th birthday on Wednesday.

And here on the High Desert, dozens gathered Wednesday evening at the Bend Elks Lodge for the annual Marine Corps Birthday Ball, hosted by the Central Oregon Marine Corps League 1308.

C.O. Marine Corps League Commandant Sterling Respass says the tradition has been going on for years.

"We're looking to celebrate Marines, Corpsmen and have fellowship," Respass said. "This was brought forth by the 13th Commandant of the Marine Corps back in 1921."

Respass says the pandemic has created an uphill battle for Marines to come together in the community, but this event is a step in the right direction.

"That was the reason for doing this," Respass said. "The mandates and the restrictions that have come down lately have done horrible things to attendance, participation and volunteering."

The event kicked off with the Redmond High Marine Corps Junior ROTC presenting the customary birthday cake for the traditional cake-cutting ceremony, honoring the birth of the Corps.

The first piece of cake was given to the guest of honor and the second to the oldest Marine in attendance, who in turn passed it to the youngest Marine, signifying the passing of experience and knowledge in the Corps.

And Respass says it's also a time to honor Veterans Day.

"Pride in remembrance of all veterans that have served their country, that are even active still," Respass said. "Whether they be folks that have passed or not, it's just the remembrance of all those veterans."

And for those in attendance, they say they hope to celebrate the birth of the Corps for many years to come.

Guests were also asked to bring a donation or unwrapped toy for the Marines' annual Toys for Tots campaign, which began Wednesday.

To learn more about how you can donate, you can contact Sterling Respass at 541-639-9403.