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Local Marines Celebrate Corps’ 246th Birthday in Wheeling

A group of local Marines recently celebrated the 246th birthday of the United States Marine Corps.

The gathering was held Nov. 10 at Generations Pub on National Road in Wheeling. The corps was founded in 1775 at Tun's Tavern in Philadelphia.

During the gathering, Jeremy McCamic, the oldest Marine in attendance, read the commandant's annual message and conducted the traditional first cutting of the birthday cake. His son, Jay McCamic, was this year's youngest Marine in attendance and made the traditional second cut to the cake. They used a sword belonging to Jay McCamic to cut the cake.

"This was a different kind of year. ... This was the first time we've had a father and son both cut the cake," said Wheeling resident Frank Joanou, who served eight years in the Marine Corps Reserve.

He said about 20 Marines attended this year's gathering. Some years 30 or more Marines attend.

"It's an opportunity for Marines, past and present, to meet on an informal basis and share experiences and things like that," he said.

Joanou said the Wheeling-based party is a tradition that began in 2005.

"It's very informal. I know of a Marine Corps birthday party that is a black-tie event that is mostly for active-duty Marines," he said. "Ours is an informal get-together. ... We talk about current situations with the Marines and past situations. We always remember those Marines who once celebrated with us who are no longer with us."

Joanou said the Wheeling gathering has Marines who participate who live across the Ohio Valley. There is no cost to attend as everyone pays for their own food and drinks, he added.