Open to the Public

Enjoy an elegant evening of military ceremony and tradition while supporting local veterans

The observance of the Marine Corps Birthday, on or around the 10th of November each year, is a time honored tradition among Marines.  Whether Marines are in the thick of battle or at peace and stateside, they always take a moment to observe the birth of their illustrious Corps.

The Marine Corps League, LCpl Jacob D. Hayes Detachment is proud to be once again be bringing this special event to the Collin County community.  We open our Ball to the community in order to to share this unique event of history, tradition, and ceremony that few get to experience. Please join us in celebrating the Marine Corps'  243rd birthday. 

Funds raised from the Marine Corps League, LCpl Jacob D. Hayes Detachment's Marine Corps Birthday Ball support Marines, FMF Corpsmen, and their families right here in the Collin County Community, as well as other veteran causes/initiatives and programs that promote the ideals of the Marine Corps League.  

Guest of Honor

Peter MacDonald

Peter Macdonald is one of only a handful of remaining Navajo Code Talkers. The Navajo Code Talkers are a unique and proud part of Marine Corps History.  During World War II the Japanese were so proficient at breaking US codes they would send their own messages to US communicators taunting the us military.  The US Marine Corps recruited and trained Native American Navajo's who used their traditional language combined with new words for military equipment, units and other terms, to develope a code only they could understand. 

The Navajo Code was never broken and because of this code along with the Marine Navajo Code Talkers who were attached to Marine units, the US Marine Corps was able to pass critical information without the Japanese knowing.  Had it not been for the efforts of the Navajo Code Talkers the success of Marine Corps would not have been as succesful and/or would have come at a higher cost.   “Were it not for the Navajos, the Marines would never have taken Iwo Jima.”  -Major Howard Connor, 5th Marine Division

Saturday, November 9th, 2019 at 1800 (6:00pm)

Location:

Hilton Dallas/Plano Granite Park, 5805 Granite Parkway, Plano, TX, 75024. 

The detachment has also secured a block of rooms at a discounted rate of $119 for a King room with breakfast and $139 for a Double room with breakfast.  To reserve your room click the button below to open the link. 

Hotel Reservations