2003 USMC Birthday Ball
Camp Lejeune, NC; November 2003
The 228th Marine Corps Birthday Ball was a unique experience: it was 100% different than the first ball we went to in 2001. Instead of a fancy hotel with a gourmet sit-down meal, it was held in a gymnasium with hors d'oeuvres. The best part was getting all dressed up (it is fun when it's only once a year) and getting my hair done professionally; the worst part was being by myself almost the entire evening since Tom was part of the ceremony escort (so I was with 1000 people I didn't know). We did get to dance one song--Lady In Red, which was highly appropriate!
I also started feeling a little bit guilty about having skipped last year's ball...after hearing a general comment about not missing any of the 28 balls during his career thus far, I felt it's the least we could do from now on. After all, this is a very special event that not anyone can participate in. So, from now on, come hell or high water, we'll be there every year!
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