We held the Gator 990 celebration of the Marine Corps Birthday on the evening of November 10th.  During a week leading up to a tropical storm, this one evening turned clear and comfortable. Just as the first Marines gathered at Tun Tavern, about 180 of our Marines and guests gathered at the High Springs Brewing Company for an evening of outdoor celebration.

The Birthday Ball Committee did a great job, with Matt Yakubsin and Dennis Waite doing most of the heavy lifting.  Guests were treated to a flagpole dedication at 5pm, the Commandant of the Marine Corps' video message, a traditional ceremony at 6:15pm featuring Marines in Dress Blues and black masks, and a generous barbecue buffet at 7pm.  Live music was provided by the local band Crooked Counsel.  

There was a drawing for the Marine Corps Special Edition Colt .45 M1911. We had sold all of the tickets for this drawing and the winner was Stephen Homewood.  

We had six prizes claimed by guests, including a smoker, a grill,  a wooden flag and cross, a Birthday Edition Ka-Bar knife with two Bass Assassin drink containers, a Medal of Honor dog tag display with guidebook, and a gift basket.

The ceremony was streamed live on Facebook and the recording can be viewed at any time on our detachment's Facebook page.