The Mesquite Marines celebrated the 250th anniversary of the Marine Corps in the CasaBlanca Resort ballrooms on Nov. 10, with a full house of 350 people attending the event.

Many Marines, both active and retired, came in their dress uniforms, sprucing up the gala event.

The program was planned according to Marine traditions and standards. Pastor Bob Bruggeman, president of the Mesquite NV Marines Board, headed the committee to organize the event.

The Mesquite Police Department Honor Guard presented the colors. Recognitions were made to local dignitaries, donors, veterans and the Mike Rye Band for providing the evening’s music. Mayor Jesse Whipple was present, as were councilpersons Karen Fielding, Pattie Gallo and Bill Ennis.

Article 38, from the Marine Corps Manual, was read. The commandant’s message came by video.

The honored guest speaker was Col. Gerald “Gerry” Berry. He was raised in Anaconda, Montana, and was drafted in 1967. He was commissioned as a second lieutenant on January 1, 1968. Col. Berry retired in 1993, after serving in many different ranks and positions. He remarked, “I consider being a lieutenant colonel as my favorite rank to be while serving.”

Col. Berry spoke in a casual and entertaining manner. He was a Marine helicopter pilot and continued to fly until the day he left the service. After making 17 previous evacuation flights, Col Berry flew the last helicopter out of Saigon with the Saigon ambassador aboard. As he laughingly likes to say, “I stopped the Vietnam War.”

The traditional Marine birthday cake was escorted into the room by Marine cadets. As Marine tradition goes, the cake is cut with a sword, with the first piece going to the guest of honor. The second piece goes to the oldest Marine in the room, and the third goes to the youngest.

A toast was made to the fallen. The Table of Fallen Recognition was present and the candle lit. Bobbie Jo Drozd narrated the fallen recognition ceremony. Taps were bugled and the colors retired. Then the social hour and dancing began.