Navy League - Central Ky Council

Members of the Marine Corps Coordinating Council of Kentucky congratulate MCCCK Chairman Ted Bassett, as he receives the Department of the Navy Superior Public Service Award, from Major General Richard A. Huck, USMC.

Lexington, KY: On the 232nd birthday of the U.S. Marine Corps, Saturday, November 10, 2007, Keeneland Association, Inc. board member and decorated World War II veteran James E. (Ted) Bassett III was presented with the Department of the Navy "Superior Public Service Award." It is the second-highest civilian honor bestowed by the Department of the Navy and recognizes significant contributions by a civilian to the Navy, Marine Corps or entire Department of the Navy. The award was presented during the 15th annual invitational breakfast celebrating the birthday of The Corps, at the Thoroughbred Club of America .

Mr. Bassett received the award in recognition of "significant contributions and unflagging support of the United States Marine Corps for 64 years." This prestigious award was officially presented to Mr. Bassett by Marine Corps Major General Richard A. Huck, who commanded the 2nd Marine Division during Operation Iraqi Freedom.

"I am deeply honored to receive this award from the Corps," Mr. Bassett said. "It is a classic example of Marine Corps 101 -- taking a nobody and trying to make a somebody out of him." Mr. Bassett enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1943 and rose from private to first lieutenant, leading a rifle platoon in combat during the battle of Okinawa, where he was wounded. He participated in the mainland Japan landings and was discharged in 1946. Mr. Bassett has hosted three Marine Corps University Foundation fundraisers. Since 1992, he has hosted the annual Marine Corps Birthday Breakfast at Keeneland or the Thoroughbred Club of America, thereby ensuring the continuing tradition of Marines celebrating their heritage.

Most recently, Mr. Bassett assumed the duties of Chairman, Marine Corps Coordinating Council of Kentucky, an umbrella organization serving the entire Marine Corps community within the Commonwealth of Kentucky. "Throughout his distinguished career as a Marine and as a private citizen, Mr. Bassett continues to epitomize 'once a Marine, always a Marine,' " stated the Superior Public Service Award citation. “Mr. Bassett's selfless patriotism and dedication reflect great credit upon himself and are in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service."

Mr. Bassett also received the coveted U.S. Marine Corps' Semper Fidelis Award in April 1990.

Mr. Bassett has been associated with Keeneland for almost four decades, serving as president from 1970 until 1986, chairman of the board from 1986 until 2001, and Keeneland trustee from 1993 through 2006. He continues to serve as a member of the Keeneland Association, Inc. board of directors.

All U.S. Marines are gung-ho. But, few can match the vision and total commitment of the famous 13th Commandant, Gen. John A. Lejeune. In 1921 he issued Marine Corps Order No. 47, Series 1921.

Gen. Lejeune's order summarized the history, mission, and tradition of the Corps. It further directed that the order be read to all Marines on 10 November of each year to honor the founding of the Marine Corps. Thereafter, 10 November became a unique day for U.S. Marines throughout the world.

Soon, some Marine commands began to not only honor the birthday, but celebrate it. In 1923 the Marine Barracks at Ft. Mifflin, Pennsylvania, staged a formal dance. The Marines at the Washington Navy Yard arranged a mock battle on the parade ground. At Quantanamo Bay, Cuba, the Marine baseball team played a Cuban team and won, 9 to 8.

The first "formal" Birthday Ball took place on Philadelphia in 1925. First class Marine Corps style, all the way! Guests included the Commandant, the Secretary of War (in 1925 the term "politically correct" didn't exist; it was Secretary of War, not Secretary of Defense), and a host of statesmen and elected officials. Prior to the Ball, Gen. Lejeune unveiled a memorial plaque at Tun Tavern. Then the entourage headed for the Benjamin Franklin Hotel and an evening of festivities and frolicking.

Over the years the annual Birthday Ball grew and grew, taking on a life of its own. In 1952 the Commandant, Gen. Lemuel C. Shepherd Jr., formalized the cake-cutting ceremony and other traditional observances. For example, Marine Corps policy now mandates that the first piece of cake must be presented to the oldest U.S. Marine present. The second piece goes to the youngest Marine. Among the many such mandates is a solemn reading of the Commandant's birthday message to the Corps.

Like the U.S. Marine Corps itself, the annual Birthday Ball has evolved from simple origins to the polished and professional functions of today. Nonetheless, one thing remains constant, the tenth day of November! This unique holiday for warriors is a day of camaraderie, a day to honor Corps and Country. Throughout the world on 10 November, U.S. Marines celebrate the birth of their Corps -- the most loyal, most feared, most revered, and most professional fighting force the world has ever known.