U.S. Department of Defense: Features - World War II Paratroopers Gather for Last Reunion

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Jun. 11, 2015

Cpl. Ryan Donnelly, a native of Center Reach, N.Y., proudly holds the unit guidon during U.S. Marine Corps birthday commemorations at the U.S. Embassy in Kabul, Afghanistan. Also pictured is Sgt. Tyrell Shannon of Chicago, Ill., who served as Sergeant of Ceremonies commemorating the 229th year of the Marine Corps.

U.S. Marines in Kabul Mark Corps' 229th Birthday

By Staff Sgt. Phillip Witzke / 105th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

KABUL, Afghanistan , Nov. 11, 2004 – United States Marines across the globe paused Wednesday, Nov. 10, to mark the 229 th birthday of the United States Marine Corps.

Like those who have gone before them and those who will undoubtedly come after, Marines assigned to the U.S. Embassy in Afghanistan also paused to honor the passing of yet another year in the history of their beloved Corps.

Warm congratulatory statements were conveyed and somber messages read aloud to those forward deployed in combatant areas as the Marines serving in the Kabul area stood proudly, listening.

“I wish to extend my warmest congratulations to all of the U.S. Marine Corps,” said Zalmay Khalilzad, the U.S. Ambassador to Afghanistan and guest of honor. “The Marine Corps is on the frontline of freedom, a most difficult and demanding job, but you are always equal to the task because you are the best fighting force in the world.

“America needs you now more than ever. You have done your country proud and we are proud of you.”

The Marines closed their festivities with the traditional cutting of the cake and presentation to the oldest and youngest Marines in attendance.

Pfc. Brendan Geraghty of Great Falls, Va., and Col. Michael Lentz of Raleigh, N.C., stand ready to receive the honorary first piece of cake at the U.S. Marine Corps birthday celebration at the U.S. Embassy in Kabul, Afghanistan. Geraghty, 18, represented the youngest Marine at the celebration, which marked the 229th birthday of the Corps. Geraghty is stationed as an embassy guard in Kabul, while Lentz serves with Combined Forces Command-Afghanistan.