Marines celebrate their 234th birthday
SAN ANGELO, Texas -- Retired Marine Col. Timothy Howard, Deputy Chief of Staff, Intelligence Marine Forces Pacific, receives the first piece of cake at the 234th Marine Corps Birthday Ball hosted by the Marine Corps Detachment, Goodfellow Air Force Base, Nov. 7, 2009. The first piece of cake is given to the guest of honor, the second to the oldest Marine present. Upon receiving the second piece of cake, the oldest Marine will in turn pass it on to the youngest Marine present, signifying the passing of experience and knowledge from the old to the young of the Corps. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Laura R. McFarlane)