It's a tradition for the oldest veteran marine (Joe Gabiola) to take a bite and pass down a slice to the youngest marine (Martin Rodriguez).
The Marine Corps League of Carson City celebrated a birthday and passed down traditions at the Westside Pour House Thursday night. The oldest Marine veteran of the group, Joe Gabiola, had the honor to cut the cake with the youngest Marine, Martin Rodriguez, 23. The duo used a sword as their knife, marking it the sixth cake it sliced. Gabiola took the first bite and passed it to Rodriguez, as a crowd full of families and friends applauded. It’s a tradition for the oldest Marine to pass down a slice of cake to the youngest, said Commandant Gary Armstrong. The cake was donated by Costco as the celebration surpassed its sixth year. ‘This event means a lot to me and everyone around us,” Mayor Bob Crowell said. ‘We’re passing down traditions. I’m proud to be invited back.’ Crowell also read the commandant of the Marine Corp at the beginning of the event. The U.S. Marine Corp celebrated its 241st birthday Thursday.