The Navy/Marine Corps Birthday Ball is an annual Battalion event traditionally held in November to commemorate the Navy's birthday (October 13, 1775) and the Marine Corps' birthday (November 10, 1775). Midshipmen partake in traditional Navy and Marine Corps Birthday ceremonies including the reading of Commandant John A. Lejeune’s historic birthday message and the ceremonial cutting of the cake. After the ceremony, there is a dinner followed by dancing for the Midshipmen and their dates.