MARINE CORPS BASE QUANTICO, Va. -- The first USMC Kids’ Birthday Bash was held at Barber Physical Activity Center on Nov. 8.
Children from 3 to 12 years old participated in the birthday celebration which included a ring toss, bingo, skill building activities, an obstacle course with uniform dress up and a cake cutting.
“Our children give a sacrifice, too,” said Marine Corps Base Quantico Base Sgt. Maj. Laura L. Brown, the guest of honor. “Their parents don’t always come home the same time of day and sometimes might not come home at all, so it’s important that they, too, feel appreciated.”
The bash was an opportunity for children to play games and have fun but also to be around and meet other children who are going through the same things they are.
“I think it’s important for the kids to see what we do as Marines and how we celebrate the Marine Corps birthday,” said Gunnery Sgt. Bryant Lodge, Marine Manpower and Reserve Affairs enlisted retentions assistance operation chief. “All they all they see is mom and dad getting all dressed up and going to the ball. Our sons kept saying we were going to the prom.”
The Kids’ Birthday Bash had games set up to help teach about the military and the Marine Corps. And, of course, during the cake cutting ceremony with the guest of honor, the oldest and youngest children present took the first three bites of cake.
“It was a great success,” said Brown. “Everywhere you looked you there was a child with a smile on their face.”
The children who came out had fun with the activities but most waited for the moment they would get a piece of the birthday cake.
“I liked all the activities,” said Jordan, 7. “I’m very excited about the cake, though.”
Correspondent: tabitha.bartley@usmc.mil