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Post by mermaid on Oct 20, 2011 21:09:01 GMT -5
I can't find it. Can someone repost it. I can not believe a friend of mine, a Major's wife of all things, is wanting to wear a short dress to the ball. And all her O'wife friends are cheering her on. WTF?!
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Post by Deb on Oct 20, 2011 22:04:20 GMT -5
This one?
Pamplet going around on how to dress for the USMC BALL(borrowed from a friend)
For Marines, the Birthday is a time to reflect
on those that have worn the uniform, wear the
uniform and will someday be lucky enough to
pin on an Eagle, Globe and Anchor. We
remember those Marine's that paved the path
for us and paid the ultimate sacrifice for our
beloved Country and Corps. This love and
reverence for our history is often seen during
the Ball as Marine's dress up in period
uniforms and regale stories from the battles
we fought long ago. We listen to a speech -
the same speech, actually an Order, recited
every year. This order, written by
Commandant John LeJeune (Marine Corps
Order Number 47), proclaims our heritage and
proud history.
It's also a time for us to look towards the
future. Each year, the Commandant releases
his Birthday message. It is an opportunity for
him to reflect on the past year and the
accomplishment of his troops. It’s also an
opportunity for him to present his ideas and
plans for the future, and to
thank his Marine’s for a job
well done.
Why Celebrate the Marine
Corps Birthday??
236th Marine Corps Ball 2011
Etiquette and Tradition.
Gen John A. Lejeune
Celebrate in Style…
Don’t be “that girl”
Gen. James F. Amos
25th Commandant of the
Marine Corps
There are several things to take into
consideration before you buy a gown.
When choosing your ball gown, pick
something that is tasteful, not tacky.
Don't
choose
something
that is too
revealing
ie.. too
much
cleavage,
too much
leg (slit up
to your hip),
no "cut
outs" (covering the chest but showing the
belly or sides), and not so low in the back
that your have to worry about exposing your-
self. It is more fun to leave much to the
imagination. You want to look beautiful and
elegant not trashy.
Also, your dress should be at the least below
the knee. This is a formal event and long
gowns are appropriate. That's not to say you
can't wear short dresses, but in this case, they
are truly not appropriate for the Ball. A floor
length ball dress is the way to go and
traditionally preferred.
Also be mindful of the color of your dress.
You don't want to stick out like a sore thumb
with the brightest dress there that blinds
everyone. Pick a color that compliments your
Marine's uniform. If Service Alphas are
authorized, pick a dress color that goes well
with military green and likewise for Dress
Blues and the Blood Stripe.
Remember, not everyone has the same
opinion when it comes to style. Some women
like the full-bottom look, while others go for a
sleek, straight line dress. Choose a dress that
suits your body type. Wear what you feel good
in.
Please observe these check points in fitting for
a dress; bust, waist, length and back. We all
come in several shapes and sizes. Make sure
the dress compliments your figure. Don't go
for a dress that makes your chest look like they
are about to fall out because you think it's
"sexy.” It is not about looking sexy for your
Marine..it's about looking elegant, classy. If
you have waist issues (like many of us do)
don't wear a dress that is so form fit-ting that
all you see is waves. There are many dresses
out there that compliment every personality.
Please choose carefully.
Remember, you are a guest to this ball. You
are a representation of your Marine. Please do
not disrespect the Marine Corps values and
your Marine by dressing up like you are going
to a frat party or a high school prom.
If you have any doubts, feel free to contact
your Family Readiness Officer for their
opinion. But then again, “when in
doubt...leave it out!”
Please mind your P’s and Q’s [pints and
quarts]. While there will be plenty of adult
beverages to enjoy, it is not wise to imbibe to
the point where judgment and actions are
impaired and may lead to embarrassing
moments.
Hopefully this will help to make sure you are
not only dressed appropriately but so you can
have fun too. Plus, you won’t have to worry
about people that may be making fun of you or
will poke fun at your Marine come the next
workday. In the end….the Marine Corps Ball
is a wonderful event to celebrate the birthday
of the United States Marine Corps.
This event offers a great opportunity to meet,
socialize, and celebrate with your Marine’s
squadron mates during the cocktail hour,
dinner, and after-dinner festivities. Take
advantage of this by introducing yourself to
some folks that you have not yet had the op-
portunity to meet.
Have fun, enjoy your evening and take lots of
pictures!
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Post by Deb on Oct 20, 2011 22:05:23 GMT -5
Or This one?
Here is the page 1: This info is for anyone who may have never attended the Birthday Ball before. It was sent out in a email but just incase not everyone got it I wanted to post it. It is the protocol for the Birthday Ball: The Marine Corps Birthday is a yearly icon that is highly celebrated throughout the Marine Corps. Every Marine, whether officer or enlisted, celebrates and pays homage to the day of our beloved Marine Corps' creation - The Marine Corps Birthday. There are certain guidelines that should be observed in order to attend this prestigious event. Dress Attire- Marines: Regardless of status (active or reserve) are required to wear Dress Blues "Alpha" or "Bravo" (pending CO's direction) or Service "Alpha" if the Dress Blue uniform is not owned. Most Commands will allow female Marines to change out of their respective uniform following the Ceremony, to a formal gown for the remainder of the evening. Retired Marines: Have the option of wearing the respective uniform, appropriate tuxedo or suit and tie. Separated/Former Marines and Male Guests: Should wear an appropriate tuxedo or suit and tie. Female Guests: Should wear a formal gown or appropriate cocktail dress that extends at or below the knee line. This event is not equal to a prom, so the dress should be purchased with elegance in mind. Cocktail/Social Hour- Traditionally there is a one hour period of time before the Ceremony portion of the event begins where attendees are able to socialize. This is a good time to introduce yourself and/or guest(s) to the Commanding Officer, Executive Officer, Sergeant Major and Guest of Honor of the event. Drinks are normally available (just keep yourself in check). Seating- Seating is selected by each Command upon completing the transaction for purchase of tickets. They may assign tables or seats or leave open seating. If you are to be seated at a VIP table. There will be assigned seating tags. The only person that may move selected seating tags is the Protocol Officer. If seated at a VIP table you should not sit down before your VIP Guest(s). Once you have your seat you should ensure your cell phone or mobile device is turned off or at least placed on silent for respect to others around you. If you must take a call you should excuse yourself from the table and exit the area. NO calls however, should be made/received during the ceremony. This also includes sending/receiving text messages, etc. You should never place your mobile device on the table in front of you.
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Post by rummy1969 on Oct 21, 2011 5:03:27 GMT -5
I find this all very interesting lol...after being with my husband for 18yrs of his 22yrs in the Marines I NEVER saw anything like this regarding the Ball. I always wore long gowns but a lot of the "ladies" really could have USED these suggestions!!!!!
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Post by DeviousAmaris on Oct 21, 2011 5:47:09 GMT -5
90% of everyone wore a short one to the Ball last year. I'm wearing a short cocktail dress to the Friday night awards ceremony. But I don't think I could ever do it for the actual Ball.
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Post by Maureen on Oct 21, 2011 6:33:54 GMT -5
I think someone's FRO wrote it not anyone actually official. I agree with everything it says but I'm just letting you know I don't think it can be presented as something the Marine Corps released officially.
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Post by mermaid on Oct 21, 2011 6:38:54 GMT -5
Both are awesome, thanks for posting Deb. I am really shocked that she's wanting to wear a cocktail dress. If you guys knew this girl, you would be too. She is one of my absolute closest friends, probably my best friend outside of my husband. But she is so up in the Marine Corps junk & all about what's proper.
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Post by Jodi on Oct 21, 2011 7:42:14 GMT -5
You would think it would be common sense as to what is appropriate.
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Post by blubberiffic on Oct 21, 2011 7:48:33 GMT -5
I hope a FRO didn't write it! Their ass would get handed to them! No one of any real importance or merit in the Marine Corp would put out a pamphlet like that! It's disgraceful, embarrassing, and just SCREAMS "stupid spouse".
And I don't think there's anything wrong with a tasteful shorter dress, especially for "mature" women.
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Post by Deb on Oct 21, 2011 7:58:38 GMT -5
Cocktail dresses have been traditionally at the knee.
However, tradition has gone out the window - just look at the trash Hollywood "starlets" are seen in on the red carpet.
And yeah, pamphlets like that DO need to be written. Proper ettiquette is a thing of the past for some.
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Post by DeviousAmaris on Oct 21, 2011 8:02:42 GMT -5
If they don't want cocktail dresses to be worn. They need to stop putting it out on invitations and emails. I've seen it put on 2 invitation emails that I've got from my husbands command when I was on their email list.
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Post by gardenwitch on Oct 21, 2011 10:53:52 GMT -5
2nd Mar Div started that stupid casino night (which is cocktail dresses) a few years ago and most of the "ladies" now just wear the same dress to both the Casino night and the ball. Fine for the Field house I guess, since 2ndMarDiv never has their Balls anywhere else.
Shorter as in KNEE length on a older woman is fine, flashing your butt checks at everyone is not fine on anybody. It's not a prom.
Reading that "pamphlet" more closely, I think the Commandants wife had something to do with it. Prim and Proper!!
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Post by blubberiffic on Oct 21, 2011 11:32:46 GMT -5
I showed the "pamphlet" to J the other day because he had been telling me to just wear a certain dress I have (knee length) to the ball and I told him that long is technically what's appropriate. Well as soon as he got to the parts where the word "trashy" was used, and the part about "all you see is waves" and about the color and matching your Marines uniform he was just like "WTF. That is not anything that the Marine Corp would approve being sent out. It's disrespectful to use the word "trashy" or to comment on a spouses weight or size. That's some wife that was sick of seeing strippers from the Driftwood dressed like hookers at the ball, but it's sure not anything that was authorized to be passed around.".
Then he told me to wear my long dress! Bwahahahahahaha!
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Post by gardenwitch on Oct 21, 2011 12:03:18 GMT -5
Hehe, it reached out and grabbed him on some subliminal level!
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Post by skooch on Oct 21, 2011 13:36:14 GMT -5
when i was gown shopping, joey was walking around with my while josh had the other two. most of the stores i went to only had shorter dresses, and joey asked me why i didnt want to wear any of those. i just told him i liked longer dresses. he goes "so the cold wind doesnt go up on your butt??" i about died laughing
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