Local Marines celebrate Corps’ birthday

Since retired Gunnery Sgt. Ewald Holzinger couldn’t attend the Veterans Day ceremonies in Highland on Nov. 8, so several local Marines visited him at home to celebrate the Corps’ birthday on Nov. 10.

Holzinger joined the Marine Corps in 1948 and served in Korea during that war.

Visiting Holzinger last month were John Landers (Vietnam), Van Davidson (Korea) and Jacob Troxell and Robert Ostrander, who are both currently serving in the Corps.

Holzinger, Landers and Davidson all said that it had been years since they had “officially celebrated” the Marine Corps birthday with fellow Leathernecks and a cake.

It is a Marine Corps tradition is for the highest and lowest enlisted Marine to cut and serve birthday cake to their fellow Marines. Holzinger and Troxell did the honors.

When was asked if he wanted to hold the cake or the Marine Corps flag for the picture, Holzinger stated: “Give me the flag!”

The Highland American Legion is planning on holding a birthday celebration next year, Nov. 10, 2016, for all local Marines.

This story was originally published December 16, 2015 at 6:57 AM with the headline "Local Marines celebrate Corps’ birthday."