STRONGSVILLE – The United States Marine Corps threw a birthday party 241 years in the making on Nov. 10.

A local ceremony was held at VFW Post 3345 in Strongsville. Ben Bender, who served this country in the Marine Corps from 1958-1978, served as master of ceremonies for the VFW Post 3345 event.

The decorated veteran flew up from his Bradenton, Fla. home on Nov. 10 to lead the ceremony, as he has for a number of years. He would not have missed the event for any reason.

“I love this place and the Marines here. This is one of the greatest posts in the world and I’ve been in many of them,” Bender said. “Some people don’t understand the brotherhood of the Corps. We would do anything for each other.”

A birthday cake was cut with a machete with the first pieces being presented to the oldest and second piece to the youngest Marines in attendance. They happened to be Paul Valley, 94, who served this nation in World War II at Guadalcanal in the Pacific theater, and Vinnie Oto, 22.

A toast with shots of rum were drank to the Marine Corps.

“In the old days there were ships made of wood and men made of iron,” Bender said. “I want to raise a toast to the Corps from the old days to now. God bless all our Marines, always.”

Those in attendance then sang the Marine Corps Hymn (The Halls of Montezuma).

Gen. Robert Neller, commandant of the U.S. Marine Corps, published a 241st birthday message to Marines around the world.

“Each year on or around 10 November, Marines gather in groups large and small to celebrate our history, honor the memory of those who have gone before us, and rekindle the bond that unites all generations of Marines. This year, we mark the 241st anniversary of our Corps — 241 years of uncommon valor, innovation and combat excellence.

“Marines, we are part of something bigger than any of us could imagine. Whether you fought in the battles of World War I, in the Pacific during World War II, in Korea or Vietnam, in Desert Shield or Desert Storm, or in the streets of Iraq and Afghanistan—or you are just starting out on your Marine Corps journey—we are all part of an elite family of warriors. For the rest of your life, the first term people use to describe you will be “Marine.”

“When the Continental Congress stood up two battalions of Marines in 1775, a culture of discipline, vigilance, professionalism, and military excellence was born that has characterized our Corps for nearly two and a half centuries. As Marines, we have a profound respect for our traditions and heritage, and for taking care of each other. We know we’re strongest when we’re together as a team. Wherever you are celebrating our Corps’ birthday this year, look around at the Marines beside you and remember the bonds forged in training, in garrison and in combat. Take this time to reconnect.

“We are Marines for life. It’s our responsibility, our duty, to maintain and build upon the legacy of those who have gone before us. What we do today, guided by what we’ve learned from past generations, will determine the future of our Corps. So as we celebrate this 241st anniversary of our Corps, we also look ahead and prepare for our next success. Take pride in carrying our legacy forward.

“Happy Birthday, Marines!

“Semper Fidelis.”