Happy Birthday, Marines

The day before Veterans Day, Marines celebrate 243 years of service

A group of solemn, uniformed men - young and old - walked a birthday cake down the aisle at the Cloquet VFW Saturday, in a ceremony that has been repeated again and again across the United States for more than 200 years.

When the cake reached the front of the room, it was cut with a long shiny silver sword.

The first piece went to the guest of honor, State Senator Tony Lourey, who addressed the veterans and loved ones gathered there, in his 10th visit to the Cloquet Marine Corps Ball.

The second piece of cake went to the oldest Marine in the room, Edward Kachinske. Born in May of 1923, the Kettle River man enlisted in the Marines in May 1944. He was a Private First Class during World War II and worked as an amphibian tractor operator in the Pacific Theater, Ryukyu Islands and Okinawa. He was wounded in action on June 27, 1945 and was awarded the Purple Heart, among other medals.

When he received the cake, Kachinske turned to the younger Marine who had helped him walk up the aisle, and handed him the cake. Then the third piece was presented, again, to Kachinske.

"The passing of the cake symbolizes the passing of knowledge from the oldest to the youngest," said Marine Corps veteran Rich Chasse, the master of ceremonies for the night and Marine Corps Ball chairman. "Then, the passing back of the cake (to Kachinske) symbolizes that we look after all our Marines. We look after our own."

Chasse said the Marine Corps Ball - in its 11th year in Cloquet - is important for many reasons.

"For comradery, for tradition, and it's a place where all the Marines in the Northland can meet and have a good time. That's important, because it's easy to lose track of everyone you served with and your friends. The Marine Corps Ball can help keep us together."

In his speech, Lourey talked about some of the accomplishments by the Legislature in recent years that have or will help veterans, including money to repair existing veterans homes across the state and create three new ones, updated Minnesota GI benefits and the new Veterans Cemetery northwest of Duluth, which saw its first interment on Veterans Day, honoring Durbin M. Keeney Jr., a veteran who dedicated his life to serving other Northland veterans.

The addition of the Duluth State Veterans Cemetery in Minnesota is part of a nationwide campaign by the National Cemetery Administration to provide burial within 75 miles of a veteran's home. The closest VA national cemetery to this site is the Fort Snelling National Cemetery in Minneapolis, which is approximately 160 miles away. The closest state cemetery is 90 miles away in Spooner, Wisc.

Lourey said he wished the list were longer, acknowledging the partisan gridlock that also affected the state legislature last year.

"It is necessary for us to recognize your example, and recognize our long-term vision, where we need to be to improve the lives of those who defend and fight for our great country," he said. "I find it a good sign that my friend and governor-elect Tim Walz is the highest-ranking service member in Congress today. This continues Minnesota's long history of electing veterans to our executive branch and I know he will be a tremendous partner in moving Minnesota forward, particularly on veterans' issues."

Lourey ended his speech with a toast to the men and women in uniform gathered there with their loved ones.

"For your valor, your integrity and your faith, I thank you. For your leadership and commitment to inspire others, I applaud you. For your lifelong commitment to our country, I will always support you. Semper Fi and Happy Birthday, Marines. Thank you again."

Following the birthday ceremony, the tables were cleared and it was time to dance.