The U.S. Marine Corps marked its 250th “birthday” Monday, having been founded on Nov. 10, 1775, in Philadelphia. Naturally, such an incredible milestone calls for a birthday cake and celebration.

For the Marines, cake is more than just a delicious dessert: it’s the focal point of their branch’s birthday tradition.

At Marine Corps birthday ceremonies every year, the first slice of cake goes to a guest of honor. But the next slice goes to the oldest Marine in attendance, who passes it along to the youngest.

When the Manchester Expeditionary Brigade celebrated the occasion with a luncheon at the Derryfield Country Club on Monday, members made a slight adjustment to the tradition: Since they had two Marines who were just over 93 years old, they shared that part of the ceremony.

The oldest

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