- February 7, 2025
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The youngest Marine in the room, Sharon Sir (54), and the oldest, Bob Hildebrandt (92), cut the cake with a sword, as per Marines tradition. Photo by Paige Wilson
Marine veterans John Pugner and Vincent Iacopino got to know each other after Pugner moved to the same street in Ormond Beach as Iacopino three years ago. Photo by Paige Wilson
Phil Wade served in the Marines for three years. Photo by Paige Wilson
Ormond Beach resident Rob Webber plays Taps on a bugle to honor the Marines who have died. Photo by Paige Wilson
It's tradition for the oldest and youngest Marine in the room to cut the first slice of cake with a sword during the ceremony. Photo by Paige Wilson
Don Hartnett served in the Marines for two years, and Jim Crow served for three. Photo by Paige Wilson
About 40 people listen as veteran Rob Webber played Taps on a bugle. Photo by Paige Wilson
Marine veteran Ken Schroeder organized the 11th-annual event. Photo by Paige Wilson
Mike Dyer served for four years in the Marines. Photo by Paige Wilson
J. Richard Frechette shows off his plaque with the Marines Prayer. Photo by Paige Wilson
Don Hartnett holds up a coin commemorating the most well-known Marine, Lt. Gen. Lewis "Chesty" Puller. Photo by Paige Wilson
Mike Dyer served from 1966-1970. Photo by Paige Wilson
What started 11 years ago as a small handful of U.S. Marine Corps veterans who wanted to celebrate the USMC birthday has turned into a larger gathering worthy of a big “Oorah!”
On Friday, Nov. 10, about 40 veterans and significant others celebrated the 242nd birthday of the USMC. As per Marine tradition, the youngest veteran in the room, 54-year-old Sharon Sir, and the oldest, 92-year-old Bob Hildebrandt, made the first slice into the scarlet, gold and white cake with a sword.
Marine veteran Ken Schroeder served from 1957 to 1959 while stationed at Parris Island. As the event organizer, he has encouraged local Marines to attend over the years to celebrate the USMC’s birthday.
“We love each other,” Schroeder said about his Marine brothers and sisters. “We have the spirit of the Corps, and we protect each other.”
The celebration has been housed at the River Grille, located at 950 N. US 1, all 11 years, as the general manager’s father and some of his brothers are Marine veterans.
“I’ve got brothers that are Marines, and a brother that I lost was a Marine,” Frank Perry said. “But basically, (hosting the ceremony) is the right thing to do.”
To honor Marines lost, Schroeder read off the names of local Marines who have died, followed by the playing of Taps on the bugle by Ormond Beach resident Rob Webber.
“I’m glad (Schroeder) does this and has maintained it over the course of the years,” Perry said. “It says a lot about the guy; his heart’s really in it.”
