LCPL Justin D. McLeese Detachment 1487
251st Marine Corps Birthday Ball
Frequently Asked Questions & Event Details
Join the LCpl Justin D. McLeese Marine Corps League Detachment 1487 as we celebrate the 251st Birthday of the United States Marine Corps with an evening honoring Marine Corps tradition, history, and camaraderie.
Whether you are a Marine, veteran, family member, community supporter, or attending a Marine Corps Birthday Ball for the first time, we look forward to celebrating with you.
EVENT DETAILS
Date: Friday, November 13, 2026
Location: Benedict’s Plantation – Mandeville, Louisiana
Cocktail Hour: 5:00 PM
Marine Corps Birthday Ceremony: 6:30 PM
Dinner: 7:30 PM
Music & Dancing: Following Dinner
Event Concludes: Approximately 10:00 PM
Individual Tickets: $100 per person
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Where is the Birthday Ball?
The 251st Marine Corps Birthday Ball will be held at Benedict’s Plantation in Mandeville, Louisiana.
Additional venue and parking information may be provided to registered guests prior to the event.
What time should I arrive?
Doors open for our Cocktail Hour at 5:00 PM.
We encourage guests to arrive during cocktail hour so there is plenty of time to check in, enjoy a drink, visit with fellow guests, take photographs (at no additional cost) and find your seat before the traditional Marine Corps Birthday Ceremony begins promptly at 6:30 PM.
Please plan to be seated before the ceremony begins.
What is the attire for the evening?
The requested attire is:
Military Dress Uniform • Black Tie • Business Formal
Military members and veterans who choose to wear a uniform should wear the appropriate dress uniform in accordance with applicable uniform regulations.
For civilian guests, black tie or business formal attire is appropriate. Examples include tuxedos, suits with ties, formal gowns, cocktail dresses, and other comparable evening attire.
Do I have to be a Marine or Marine Corps League member to attend?
Absolutely not!
Our Birthday Ball is open to Marines, veterans of all branches, family members, friends, community members, businesses, and supporters who would like to join us in celebrating the Marine Corps Birthday.
You do not need to have served in the military or be a member of the Marine Corps League to attend.
What is included with my ticket?
Individual tickets are $100 per person and include admission to the event, the traditional Marine Corps Birthday Ceremony, dinner, open bar, and evening entertainment. Sponsorship opportunities are also available! Please visit: Sponsorships | McLeese Detachment for more details.
What is on the menu?
Dinner Menu:
Chicken Madeira: Stuffed chicken breast topped with melted mozzarella cheese, covered with fresh mushroom madeira wine sauce.
Stuffed Catfish: Fresh filet of Fish stuffed with a Louisiana blue crab dressing finished with a light lemon beurre blanc.
Green beans, red skin mashed potatoes and fresh baked bread.
New Orleans Bread Pudding
Bar: Open bar will be available during the event.
Please contact us in advance if you have a food allergy or dietary restriction so we can determine what accommodations may be available.
What is the schedule for the evening?
5:00–6:30 PM | Cocktail Hour
Guest arrival, check-in, cocktails, photos, and fellowship.
6:30 PM | Traditional Marine Corps Birthday Ceremony
Guests will be asked to take their seats for the formal ceremony.
The ceremony will honor the history and traditions of the United States Marine Corps and include traditional Birthday Ball elements, including the ceremonial cake cutting.
7:30 PM | Dinner
Dinner service begins following the ceremony.
Following Dinner | Music & Dancing
Enjoy music and dancing with DJ Fire101, along with plenty of time for camaraderie and celebration.
Approximately 10:00 PM | Conclusion
The evening is expected to conclude around 10:00 PM.
Schedule is subject to minor changes as final event details are confirmed.
What happens during the Marine Corps Birthday Ceremony?
The traditional Marine Corps Birthday Ceremony is one of the highlights of the evening.
Guests will experience time-honored Marine Corps traditions celebrating the history and legacy of the Corps, including the ceremonial birthday cake cutting and recognition of Marines past and present.
If you have never attended a Marine Corps Birthday Ball before, no special knowledge of Marine Corps traditions is required. Simply enjoy the ceremony and follow the lead of the Marines and event staff.
Will there be assigned seating?
Yes. Guests will have assigned seating for dinner and the ceremony.
If you purchase tickets with a group or would like to sit with specific guests, please provide that information when requested. We will make every effort to accommodate seating requests, although specific seating arrangements cannot be guaranteed.
Can I purchase an entire table?
Yes! Businesses and individuals interested in sponsoring the Birthday Ball may also select from several sponsorship opportunities, including packages that include event seating and sponsor recognition. Please visit Sponsorships | McLeese Detachment for more information.
Are sponsorship opportunities available?
Yes! Sponsorships help the LCpl Justin D. McLeese Marine Corps League Detachment 1487 host this annual celebration while supporting the Detachment and its mission within our local veteran and Marine Corps community.
Several sponsorship levels are available with benefits that may include event seating, recognition at the Ball, and promotional opportunities.
Please visit Sponsorships | McLeese Detachment for more information.
Can I sponsor a Marine to attend?
Yes. Our Semper Fi Seat sponsorship provides an opportunity to help sponsor attendance for a Marine.
This is a great option for individuals or businesses who would like to support the event even if they are unable to attend themselves.
Are tickets refundable or transferable?
All ticket sales are final and non-refundable.
However, if you have questions or concerns regarding your ticket or are unable to attend, please contact us at northshoremclevents@gmail.com. We will be happy to discuss your situation and assist where possible.
What should I bring with me?
We recommend bringing your phone with your e-ticket/purchase confirmation and a valid photo ID. We will also have a printed list of registered guests at the door for validation and entry to the event.
Most importantly, come ready to enjoy an evening of Marine Corps tradition, fellowship, and celebration.
Will there be an open bar?
Yes. An open bar is included with admission.
Guests consuming alcohol are expected to drink responsibly and make appropriate transportation arrangements.
Is parking available?
Benedict's Plantation has ample free parking on-site to accommodate all of our guests.
Can I bring a guest or date?
Absolutely. Guests and dates are welcome and do not need to be Marines, veterans, or members of the Marine Corps League. Each attendee must have a ticket or be included as a guest through an applicable sponsorship package.
QUESTIONS?
Still have a question about the 251st Marine Corps Birthday Ball? We would be happy to help.
LCpl Justin D. McLeese Marine Corps League Detachment 1487
Email: northshoremclevents@gmail.com
Website: NorthshoreMCL.com