COEUR d’ALENE — The feeling of brother and sisterhood was tangible at the Best Western Plus Coeur d'Alene Inn on Saturday as over 200 active duty and veteran Marine Corps members shared a night of camaraderie, ceremony and celebration.

The evening marked the 249th Birthday Ball. For many, the yearly event is a reminder of why the Marines have served their country for so long.

“I never miss it,” said Jim Strinz, who served in the Marine Corps from 1960 to 1966. “It realigns you for the coming year. It gives you perspective and brings you back to center.”

For all the celebratory “oorahs,” there were also times throughout the night when there was barely a dry eye in the room.

In keeping with Marine Corps tradition, a table was set for Prisoners of War and those Missing in Action who could not join their fellow Marines in celebration. Emotions ran high during the ceremony of presentation as attendees remembered loved ones they’d lost.

“Tonight, we celebrate all the Marines that didn’t get to come home, and the families that continue to mourn,” Pappy Boyington Detachment No. 966 Commandant Dennis Dodd told The Press. “We also celebrate the future with these young Marines.”

Marine Corps camaraderie has been proven to span generations, with the traditional cutting of the ceremonial cake, where the oldest Marine serves the first slice to the youngest.

This year, 89-year-old Roy Kisner, a Korean War veteran, was joined by 25-year-old Canyon Willey, who served from 2018 to 2023.

“It’s always such a pleasure to renew old acquaintances, enjoy the camaraderie and remember the history of the U.S.,” Kisner said, tearing up as he took in every part of the night.

Following the ceremonies and dinner, attendees enjoyed dancing, storytelling and catching up with friends.

    Marine Corps veteran Canyon Willey dances the night away during the U.S. Marine Corps Birthday Ball Saturday night.
  

    James Boord (right) dances with his mother Darlene Kacalek (left) during the U.S. Marine Corps Birthday Ball Saturday night.