Message from Marine mom Colleen Bowers

I write to you as the mother of a dedicated Marine, assigned to the Bravo Company based in North Versailles, Pennsylvania.

To support my son, I have volunteered to serve as his unit’s Marine Ball Fundraising Chair. Each year, local Marines, along with fellow Marines around the world, celebrate the birth of the Marine Corps.

In order to continue this tradition, we’ve decided to create an advertisement book in which local businesses, politicians, and our committee will be able to honor and recognize the tremendous service that these men and women give to our Nation. At the same time, businesses and political figures gain exposure in the local community.

All proceeds from the sale of the advertisements enable local Marines to commemorate the founding of the Marine Corps of the United States of America by defraying their event costs.
I encourage you to consider placing an advertisement or tribute in our booklet.

To do so, please complete the attached form, and mail it to the address listed below, along with your payment and a camera-ready copy of your ad. For your reference, I have included a brief history of this annual commemoration.

All United States Marines are gung-ho. But few can match the unparalleled vision and commitment of the famous 13th Commandant, General John A. Lejeune. In 1921, he issued Marine Corps Order No. 47, Series 1921.

Gen. Lejeune's order summarized the history, mission, and tradition of the Corps. It further directed that the order be read to all Marines on 10 November of each year to honor the founding of the Marine Corps. Thereafter, 10 November became a unique day for U.S. Marines throughout the wo rld.

Over the years, the annual Birthday Ball grew and grew, taking on a life of its own. In 1952, the Commandant, Gen. Lemuel C. Shepherd Jr., formalized the cake-cutting ceremony and other traditional observances. For example, Marine Corps policy now mandates that the first slice of cake mus t be presented to the oldest U.S. Marine present.

The second slice goes to the youngest Marine. Among other mandates is a solemn reading of the Commandant's birthday message to the Corps.

Like the U.S. Marine Corps itself, the annual Birthday Ball has evolved from simple origins to the polished and professional functions of today. Nonetheless, one thing remains constant, the tenth day of November! This unique holiday for warriors is a day of camaraderie, a day to honor Cor ps and Country. Throughout the world on 10 November, U.S. Marines celebrate the birth of their Corps -- the most loyal, most feared, most revered, and most professional fighting force the world has ever known.

I am grateful for your interest in this important event. Should you have any questions, please call me at 412-498-3392 or email me at bowers011@comcast.net. The Marines thank you in advance for your participation in their annual commemoration.

Sincerely Yours,

Colleen Bowers
Marine Mom
1404 Swantek Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15204

PROGRAM BOOK AD FORM
Marine Birthday 233rd Ball Celebration
November 7, 2008

NAME ________________________________________________________________________
COMPANY NAME / ORGANIZATION NAME ___________________________________________
ADDRESS ______________________________________________________________________
CITY _____________________________________________ST ______________ZIP __________
CONTACT _____________________________________________________________________
EMAIL ___________________________________PHONE_______________________________


AD SIZE: ________ FULL PAGE $150 ________ ½ PAGE $85 ________ ¼ PAGE $50
5.5”w X 8”h 5.5”w X 4”h 5.5”w X 2”h


SPONSOR NAME PAGE (ONE LINE) $10

Please attach camera‐ready copy to this form or enter it below:
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Please enclose a check for the TOTAL amount payable to:

Marine Ball Fund
1404 Swantek Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15204