Oak Crest Celebrates the 237th Anniversary of the United States Marine Corps
Resident Acknowledged as Oldest Former Marine in United States
Participates in Cake Cutting Tradition
Baltimore, MD – In 2010, former Marines who live and work at Oak Crest retirement community in Baltimore, Maryland, decided to celebrate the 235th anniversary of the founding of the United States Marine Corps. They did it by carrying forth the tradition of the cake-cutting ceremony in which the first slice of cake is given to the oldest Marine present, who in turn hands it off to the youngest Marine present. The custom symbolizes the experienced Marines passing their knowledge to a new generation.
2012 was no exception for the former Marines of Oak Crest, who celebrated their military branch's 237th birthday in the community's Acorn Pub with members of Marine Corps League Detail 1198 from Harford County.
However, the group had a new member. Richard Rhinehart moved into Oak Crest in the spring of 2012. At 104, he has been acknowledged by the U.S. Marines as the oldest living Marine in the United States.
Oak Crest employee Paul Stiles had the honor of receiving the first piece of cake from Mr. Rhinehart, who served in the Marines ten years prior to the beginning of World War II. Mr. Rhinehart also served with the iconic Major General Smedley Butler.
Following the ceremony, the group of men who answered the call of duty enjoyed their time of fellowship with friends and family and gathered for a group photo.
PHOTO CAPTION #1 (004): Oak Crest employees Aaron Julian, Paul Stiles and Gil Osenburg honor resident Richard Rhinehart prior to the cake cutting ceremony in celebration of the 237th anniversary of the United States Marine Corps.
PHOTO CAPTION #2 (014): Residents and employees of Oak Crest Retirement Community who served in the U.S. Marine Corps, along with family members, gather for a group photo in the Acorn Pub.