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US marines celebrate 243rd anniversary with birthday ball in Kingston

Published:Tuesday | November 13, 2018 | 12:00 AM
The US Embassy’s Charge d’Affaires Eric Khant (right) and Halima Khant (left) share a photo with the embassy’s counsellor for public affairs, Jeremiah Knight.
They were all dolled up for the grand celebrations as the US Marines celebrate their 243rd anniversary with a Birthday Ball in Kingston.
Embassy’s Marine Detachment Gunnery Sergeant Vincent D. Morales (right) is joined by members of his family, Yolanda Morales (second right), mother; Kaitlyn Morales (second left), wife; and Tom Morales (left), father and Marine.
Charge d’Affaires Eric Khant (centre) shares in a photo alongside Rear Admiral Peter J. Brown (fourth right) and members of the embassy’s Marine Corps Detachment.
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The United States Marine Corps Detachment at the US Embassy in Kingston celebrated the 243rd anniversary of the Marine Corps at the annual Birthday Ball on Saturday, November 3. More than 200 guests shared in the formal evening event, held at Spanish Court Hotel in New Kingston.

Speaking as guest of honour, the embassy's charge d'affaires, Eric Khant, said, "Marines represent the very best of what America stands for. We celebrate the finest among us; individuals who show us every day the meaning of honour, courage and commitment."

The Birthday Ball is one of the major events on the Marine Corps calendar. It is a formal affair where guests enjoy an evening of tradition and celebrate the history of the corps. Persons in attendance locally included representatives from the Government of Jamaica, members of the Diplomatic Corps, and embassy contacts.

Outstanding musical performances were delivered by the Jamaica Defence Force Band.