I'm confused about the Marine Corps Ball...take a look?

Question

I know that the birthday is November 10...God knows I heard from my parents (both Marines!) that I was always late, being born on Nov. 14th. 
My confusion is that I always thought that the Ball took place ON the birthday. Yet with the celebrities getting attention in the press for attending, I heard of different Balls being held on the 12th, and the 18th. What's the deal with that? I mean, I understand it being a Marine Corps holiday and all, but why move it to a Saturday? Celebrate it ON the actual day.

Rufus · Accepted Answer

It depends on the unit and what they are doing. You can't have the entire Marine Corps at a party at one time. Some units might be in the field and have their ball once they return to base.

LTCgross · Answer

Just like most other holidays, you can't always have it on the exact day. Overseas, the Embassies actually rotate every event by a few days so a "spare" Marine can come in to watch the embassy while the Marines assigned to that Embassy go to their ball. This takes a bit of coordination within a region.

PRTSTBD · Answer

Taking a stab in the dark:
a) Saturday is a non-work day
b) Sunday is a non-work day.
Get the picture?
The BALL was on Saturday, but I'm sure celebrations were held ON THE ACTUAL DAY around Marine bases.  Check THAT out.

NWIP · Answer

Various factors, some commands coming back from deployment, 10th was a Thursday this year on a long weekend, time they could book the facility where it was held, the guest speakers schedule.... this list continues.

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I'm confused about the Marine Corps Ball...take a look?

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