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Retired U.S. Marine Corps and Army veteran Maj. Billy Hall gazes upon the California coastline during an honor flight in a UH-1Y Venom with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron (HMLA) 267, Marine Aircraft Group 39, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, California, Nov. 11, 2023. Hall celebrated the 82nd anniversary of his Marine Corps Recruit Training graduation by flying with the Marines of HMLA-267. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Sean Potter) - Retired U.S. Marine Corps and Army veteran Maj. Billy Hall gazes upon the California coastline during an honor flight in a UH-1Y Venom with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron (HMLA) 267, Marine Aircraft Group 39, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, California, Nov. 11, 2023. Hall celebrated the 82nd anniversary of his Marine Corps Recruit Training graduation by flying with the Marines of HMLA-267. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Sean Potter)

Corina Gonzalez and her family pose for a group photo in front of a U.S. Marine Corps F-35B Lightning II aircraft at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan. Gonzalez is a Marine Corps veteran and loving mother who volunteers at numerous organizations throughout MCAS Iwakuni, and has proven to be a diligent and dedicated member of the community. - Corina Gonzalez and her family pose for a group photo in front of a U.S. Marine Corps F-35B Lightning II aircraft at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan. Gonzalez is a Marine Corps veteran and loving mother who volunteers at numerous organizations throughout MCAS Iwakuni, and has proven to be a diligent and dedicated member of the community.

Richard Russell, a World War II Marine veteran, poses for a photo during an interview at his home in Phoenix, Arizona, July 23, 2022. Russell fought in the Battle of Guadalcanal during WWII, and turned 20 years old while fighting on the island. This year he will be celebrating his 100th birthday on the 80th anniversary of the battle. - Richard Russell, a World War II Marine veteran, poses for a photo during an interview at his home in Phoenix, Arizona, July 23, 2022. Russell fought in the Battle of Guadalcanal during WWII, and turned 20 years old while fighting on the island. This year he will be celebrating his 100th birthday on the 80th anniversary of the battle.

U.S. Marines with Combat Logistics Battalion 453, 4th Marine Logistics Group, transfer a casket containing the remains of U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Donald D. Stoddard to the burial site at Mountain View Memorial Park in Boulder, Colo., June 26, 2021. Stoddard died during the siege of Betio Island in November 1943 during World War II while assigned to 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 2d Marine Division. His remains were recovered in March 2019 by the non-profit organization, History Flight. - U.S. Marines with Combat Logistics Battalion 453, 4th Marine Logistics Group, transfer a casket containing the remains of U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Donald D. Stoddard to the burial site at Mountain View Memorial Park in Boulder, Colo., June 26, 2021. Stoddard died during the siege of Betio Island in November 1943 during World War II while assigned to 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 2d Marine Division. His remains were recovered in March 2019 by the non-profit organization, History Flight.

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Master Sgt. Tommy “TJ” Pittman repairs an Assault Amphibious Vehicle in 1991. - Master Sgt. Tommy “TJ” Pittman repairs an Assault Amphibious Vehicle in 1991.

Appearing in authentic 1945-1948 Marine Corps dress blues with original regalia, 96-year-old World War II veteran and Marine Raider Cpl. Leonard B. Turner, oldest Marine present, stands next to 19-year-old Pfc. Ivan K. Lopez, the youngest Marine present, during the Marine Forces Special Operations Command’s 244th Marine Corps Birthday Ball in Wilmington, N.C., Nov. 2, 2019. Every year, each Marine Corps unit comes together and hosts a Marine Corps Birthday cake cutting to celebrate one more year since the birth of their Corps. This celebration is an event that brings together Marines, old and young - enlisted and retired, and allows them to celebrate their commitment and dedication to the Marine Corps and strengthen their camaraderie and organizational esprit de corps. This connection between the past and present can be seen throughout many traditions during the Marine Corps ball and is the foundation of this event each year. One such tradition is the passing of birthday cake from the oldest Marine to the youngest Marine, which represents the passing of experience and knowledge from older generations to the newest generation of Marines. The birthday cake is traditionally cut with the Mameluke sword, to honor Lieutenant Presley O’Bannon’s assault of Derna, Tripoli in 1805, as a reminder that Marines are a band of warriors, committed to carrying the sword, so that the nation may live in peace. - Appearing in authentic 1945-1948 Marine Corps dress blues with original regalia, 96-year-old World War II veteran and Marine Raider Cpl. Leonard B. Turner, oldest Marine present, stands next to 19-year-old Pfc. Ivan K. Lopez, the youngest Marine present, during the Marine Forces Special Operations Command’s 244th Marine Corps Birthday Ball in Wilmington, N.C., Nov. 2, 2019. Every year, each Marine Corps unit comes together and hosts a Marine Corps Birthday cake cutting to celebrate one more year since the birth of their Corps. This celebration is an event that brings together Marines, old and young - enlisted and retired, and allows them to celebrate their commitment and dedication to the Marine Corps and strengthen their camaraderie and organizational esprit de corps. This connection between the past and present can be seen throughout many traditions during the Marine Corps ball and is the foundation of this event each year. One such tradition is the passing of birthday cake from the oldest Marine to the youngest Marine, which represents the passing of experience and knowledge from older generations to the newest generation of Marines. The birthday cake is traditionally cut with the Mameluke sword, to honor Lieutenant Presley O’Bannon’s assault of Derna, Tripoli in 1805, as a reminder that Marines are a band of warriors, committed to carrying the sword, so that the nation may live in peace.

Earnest B. Freeman receives a brick from building four during his retirement luncheon at the Paradise Point Officers Club on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, Oct. 30, 2019. Freeman retired as the evidence custodian, Criminal Investigation Division, Provost Marshals Office, Marine Corps Installations East-MCB Camp Lejeune, with 45 years of combined active duty Marine Corps service and civilian service. - Earnest B. Freeman receives a brick from building four during his retirement luncheon at the Paradise Point Officers Club on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, Oct. 30, 2019. Freeman retired as the evidence custodian, Criminal Investigation Division, Provost Marshals Office, Marine Corps Installations East-MCB Camp Lejeune, with 45 years of combined active duty Marine Corps service and civilian service.

A U.S. Marine rifle squad with Headquarters and Support Battalion, Marine Corps Installations East-Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, pauses for a moment of silence during the Vietnam Veterans Recognition Day Ceremony at the Onslow Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Lejeune Memorial Gardens, Jacksonville, North Carolina, April 27, 2019. The ceremony honored the memory of those who died during the war and celebrated the accomplishments and perseverance of Vietnam-era veterans. (U.S. Marine Corps Photo by Lance Cpl. Isaiah Gomez) - A U.S. Marine rifle squad with Headquarters and Support Battalion, Marine Corps Installations East-Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, pauses for a moment of silence during the Vietnam Veterans Recognition Day Ceremony at the Onslow Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Lejeune Memorial Gardens, Jacksonville, North Carolina, April 27, 2019. The ceremony honored the memory of those who died during the war and celebrated the accomplishments and perseverance of Vietnam-era veterans. (U.S. Marine Corps Photo by Lance Cpl. Isaiah Gomez)

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Jacob Lucero(second for left) and Nadeem Seirafi ((second from right) hold the leashes of Colli and Ricsi during the two Military Workings Dogs' retirement ceremony at the K-9 Training Field adjacent to the Adam Leigh Cann Canine Facility aboard Marine Corps Logistics Base Barstow, Calif., Sept. 12. The two handlers partnered with their K-9 companions on the beat and are now adopting the two dogs as they retire from active duty. Lieutenant Steven Goss, (far right) kennel master, Marine Corps Police Department, presented the two dogs with retirement certificates. The other officers in the photo also partnered with Colli and Ricsi at different times in their careers. - Jacob Lucero(second for left) and Nadeem Seirafi ((second from right) hold the leashes of Colli and Ricsi during the two Military Workings Dogs' retirement ceremony at the K-9 Training Field adjacent to the Adam Leigh Cann Canine Facility aboard Marine Corps Logistics Base Barstow, Calif., Sept. 12. The two handlers partnered with their K-9 companions on the beat and are now adopting the two dogs as they retire from active duty. Lieutenant Steven Goss, (far right) kennel master, Marine Corps Police Department, presented the two dogs with retirement certificates. The other officers in the photo also partnered with Colli and Ricsi at different times in their careers.

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U.S. Marine Corps Gunner Gilbert H. Bolton was born in Portsmouth, Ohio and enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1959. He served as an infantry Marine and officer until he retired in 1991 at the age of 50. During his time in the Marine Corps, Bolton rose through the ranks from private to an infantry weapons officer, also known as a Marine Gunner. A Marine Corps Gunner is a technical expert of all Marine Corps weapons systems, and their employment. - U.S. Marine Corps Gunner Gilbert H. Bolton was born in Portsmouth, Ohio and enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1959. He served as an infantry Marine and officer until he retired in 1991 at the age of 50. During his time in the Marine Corps, Bolton rose through the ranks from private to an infantry weapons officer, also known as a Marine Gunner. A Marine Corps Gunner is a technical expert of all Marine Corps weapons systems, and their employment.

Sonny Wong, a Vietnam veteran, shares stories about the unit during his tour of 12th Marine Regiments facilities Nov. 7, 2017, at 12th Marine Regiment’s company office on Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan. - Sonny Wong, a Vietnam veteran, shares stories about the unit during his tour of 12th Marine Regiments facilities Nov. 7, 2017, at 12th Marine Regiment’s company office on Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan. Wong was an interpreter attached to 12th Marines during the Vietnam War and decided to visit his old unit 51 years later. Sgt. Maj. Douglas W. Yagel gave him a tour of the Regiment’s facilities and weapons as Wong described his experience working with the Marines.

U.S. Marine veteran Ralph Simoneau from the 5th Marine Division shakes hands with Garrison Commander, Lt. Col. Cristopher Marquez. - U.S. Marine veteran Ralph Simoneau from the 5th Marine Division shakes hands with Garrison Commander, Lt. Col. Cristopher Marquez during a visit to the Pohakuloa Training Area on the Island of Hawaii, Oct. 20, 2017. The veterans of 5th Marine Division visited as part of the 68th Annual Reunion of the 5th Marine Division Association Tour. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Ricky Gomez)

Iwo Jima veteran Francis Jackson participates in the 72nd Reunion of Honor commemorative service on Iwo To, Japan March 25, 2017. Jackson was one of eight veterans in attendance alongside American and Japanese distinguished guests, both military and civilian. This event presented the opportunity for the U.S. and Japanese people to mutually remember and honor thousands of service members who fought and died on the hallowed grounds of Iwo Jima. - Iwo Jima veteran Francis Jackson participates in the 72nd Reunion of Honor commemorative service on Iwo To, Japan March 25, 2017. Jackson was one of eight veterans in attendance alongside American and Japanese distinguished guests, both military and civilian. This event presented the opportunity for the U.S. and Japanese people to mutually remember and honor thousands of service members who fought and died on the hallowed grounds of Iwo Jima.

John L. L'Abbe, native of Boise, Idaho, served with 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division from 1942 to 1945. L'Abbe was hit in the legs by a grenade at the Battle of Tarawa. While lying on the beach injured, a Japanese officer tried to slay L'Abbe with his sword. L'Abbe seized the enemy's sword and killed him with it. The photo is courtesy of L'Abbe, who sent this newspaper clipping in a letter addressed to 2nd Bn., 8th Marines, Nov. 18, 2014. - John L. L'Abbe, native of Boise, Idaho, served with 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division from 1942 to 1945. L'Abbe was hit in the legs by a grenade at the Battle of Tarawa. While lying on the beach injured, a Japanese officer tried to slay L'Abbe with his sword. L'Abbe seized the enemy's sword and killed him with it. The photo is courtesy of L'Abbe, who sent this newspaper clipping in a letter addressed to 2nd Bn., 8th Marines, Nov. 18, 2014.