Marine Corps Birthday Ball marks 250th Nov. 15 in Holmes County

When it comes to honoring worthwhile people and achievements, few can rival the honor of celebrating those who served the nation, and an upcoming event will serve that very purpose.

The Marine Corps League 250th Holmes County Birthday Ball will take place Saturday, Nov. 15, at The Stables at Arrowhead Lake, west of Millersburg.

The celebration is in honor of the 250th birthday of the Marine Corps, Army and Navy, and while all service members are welcome to come, it is open to anyone who would like to honor and celebrate the many veterans and servicemembers who have faithfully served the nation.

According to event organizer and veteran Woodrow Wilson, this event encompasses everything the Marine Corps represents, with last year’s service being the first one in the history of Holmes County.

‘This is a special celebration with events taking place all around the country in honor of the 250th,” Wilson said.

Wilson said the Marine Corps Ball is a formal event held annually to celebrate the founding of the United States Marine Corps, which was established on Nov. 10, 1775. It’s one of the most significant traditions in the Marine Corps and is observed by Marines all over the world.

According to Wilson, the Marine Corps Ball is more than just a party. It's a deeply respectful and symbolic event that reinforces esprit de corps, honors tradition and strengthens bonds among Marines and their community.

“Last year we included the Navy in our celebration, and we decided to extend it and invite the Army veterans to also join us,” Wilson said. “This is a big deal nationally and an important moment for us to celebrate and honor those who served our country faithfully.”

The evening will feature a social hour from 5-6 p.m. and will include a cash bar, with a full dinner starting at 6 p.m. The evening will also include a program and dancing, along with the opportunity for attendees to socialize and relax.

Key features of the ball include sharing the tradition and history of the Corps, heritage, values and legacy, and commemorating the birth of the Corps, with a focus on honoring Marines past and present. There will also be a door prize.

The event will include the presentation of colors by the Honor Guard, with the dinner being catered by Exclusively Yours.

Lt. Colonel Mark Halferty of Bucyrus will be the keynote speaker for the evening.

Halferty served as a Marine Corps officer before later joining the Army National Guard, where Wilson had the honor of serving under his command. He would later go back into the Marine Corps, where he retired.

“He’s a great person with an incredible story,” Wilson said of Halferty.

Wilson said he has already seen incredible support for the upcoming event, including the owners of The Stables at Arrowhead Lake donating their facility for the evening’s festivities.

Others have already given, and Wilson continues to seek individuals or businesses who would like to donate to the cause.

Wilson has been busy visiting with area business leaders in the community, seeking their financial support to help defray expenses for the evening.

Any individual or business donating at the Silver Donor level of $200 will receive two free tickets to the ball; Gold Donor donations of $400 will receive four tickets; a Platinum Donor of $600 will receive six tickets. All donors will be listed in the evening’s program.

“We appreciate all who choose to support us in celebrating such a meaningful and important event, especially with this one being the 250th,” Wilson said. “And even if people don’t donate, we still invite them to come and enjoy the ball, whether they served or not. They don’t have to have served in the military to help us honor this special occasion.”

All funds raised after expenses will be donated to The Wayne County Marine Corps League’s Toys for Tots, an organization Wilson said continues to do wonderful things for area families.

Tickets are $35 per person, with advance ticket sales only. Anyone wishing to order tickets may do so by calling Wilson at 330-763-1376 or emailing woody@pciohio.com. Checks may be made payable to Marine Corps Birthday Ball and mailed to Woodrow Wilson, 10672 state Route 520, Killbuck OH 44637.