Marine Corps Ball

November 10th is the birthday of the Marine Corps and, no matter where they're stationed around the world, Marines take the time to mark the occasion. Sometimes the event is a simple as a cake cutting ceremony, but in Bangkok the Marines host a ball. This year's ball was Saturday. I went with a group of friends and, as expected, had a fabulous time.

I have official pictures from the event that I will eventually post, but wanted to get my candids up on the blog right away.

The evening started with a cocktail reception. After we entered the ballroom, the Marines played a video from the Commandant of the Marine Corps and presented the Colors. The Ambassador spoke, as did a former Marine who is now in the Foreign Service posted here in Bangkok. They had a cake cutting ceremony- and the Ambassador, the oldest Marine in the room and the youngest Marine each participated. If you know me at all, you know I love a little pomp and ceremony, so it was great to be a witness to the event. Whether we agree with what's happening in the world today, these men and women are putting their lives on the line for us, and it's nice to take an evening to say "thank you."

After the ceremony we ate, drank and danced the night away. We were even graced with appearances from Thai Elvis and Thai Tom Jones- who could ask for more!

Around 450 people attended the evening including the Marines currently stationed here, former Marines who are living in Bangkok for one reason or another, active duty Marines who are posted in other places and joined in the festivities here, Embassy staff, and just "regular Joes and Janes" like me, who know this is an event not to be missed!

I was so proud of my hairstyle that I just had to include a picture of it as well. I told Cris (my friend and stylist) that I wanted something "funky, but not too over the top," and I think she most definitely succeeded in that.

It's events like these that make me appreciate just how good it is to be an American overseas.

Next week is my birthday party- It's a 70's theme, so you know there will be good pictures and stories to post from that!