KABUL, Afghanistan — United States Marines all over the world paused Nov. 10 to celebrate the 242nd birthday of the Corps.

Here’s what that looked like in Kabul, Afghanistan, at Resolute Support Headquarters.

The day kicked off with a 5K fun run — 5 laps around base.

Servicemembers from the many different NATO countries represented gathered to pay tribute.

Everyone bowed their heads in prayer. For a moment the crowd fell silent, honoring those who died answering the call of duty. It’s always a poignant moment of the ceremony, but took on an extra weight here in theater.

The Missing Man Table, also known as the Fallen Comrade Table, is set up in memory of the fallen, the missing, and the prisoners of war.

The National Anthem played. Every soldier saluted and every civilian’s hand was over his or her heart.

And then of course there is birthday cake.

Traditionally, the first slices of cake are served to the guest of honor, and then to the oldest and youngest Marines present.

To close the ceremony, Resolute Support Mission Deputy Commander Lt. General Cripwell and U.S. Marine Corps Brigadier General Williams each say a few words to the crowd.

Marines are Marines — whether it’s in the hell of Gaudalcanal, the jungles of Vietnam, or here in Afghanistan. They celebrate their birthday here the same way Marines commemorate their birthday all over the world — with traditions that span both borders and generations.

They are the few and the proud.

Today, and every day, America stands behind her Marines. Oorah.

Hailey Sadler is a contributor to The Daily Caller News Foundation.

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