FAQs

What is a Navy-Marine Corps Ball?

A Navy-Marine Corps Birthday Ball is a social event that allows ROTC members and guests to enjoy a formal evening together based upon Navy and Marine Corps Tradition.

Learn More Here

Where is it?

The Ball will take place at The Palais Royale Ballroom. Guests, please arrange for transportation to and from the venue. MIDN, please stay posted for more coordinating instructions on rides.

PALAIS ROYALE

105 W Colfax Ave
South Bend, IN 46601

What time does it start, and how long does it last?

The ball starts at 5 o’clock PM, and goes until 11 o’clock PM. The night will consist of a cocktail hour, dinner, a traditional ceremony, dessert, and dancing.

What is the dress code?

The Navy-Marine Corps Birthday Ball is a formal event, which requires proper attire. All Military Personnel and Male Midshipmen will wear their Service Dress Uniforms. Female Midshipmen may wear a conservative gown, or modified SDBs. Male guests should wear a coat and tie. Female guests should wear a conservative gown.

Do I need a date?

It is not necessary to have a date, but MIDN and guests in the past have brought their significant other, roommate, or a close family member or friend to attend. Please note this is a formal event, and all will be held to a standard of orderly conduct.

Will there be a Receiving Line?

The receiving line will begin at the start of the night, continuing into a cocktail hour. All guests will form a line and be formally introduced to the Battalion Commanding Officer, the Guest of Honor and other notable guests prior to dinner and the ceremony.

Are there Seating Charts?

Please check the seating chart upon arrival to see where you are to sit. Do not change seating arrangements. If you have a preference of whom you want to be seated with, make it known when you RSVP.

What do I do during the Posting of Colors?

Everyone will stand while the Color Guard presents the Colors to the Battalion CO and Guest of Honor.

What do I do during Toasts?

A toast is a gesture done in honor of a person or group. A glass is raised, the toast and response given, and then a sip taken from the glass.

What is the meal?

The meal will be catered by our venue, with more details to follow in the coming days. It will consist of several courses, with proper silverware and dishes used for each course.

What is the cake cutting ceremony?

The cake cutting ceremony is a tradition in honor of the present, past, and future of our navy and Marine Corps. As such, the youngest and oldest member of the Battalion together will cut the cake, symbolizing our commitment to those who have served and those who continue to do so today, and in the future.

Will there be a recess?

There will be a short recess to stretch and use the lavatories. Following the recess, please return to your seats for the guest speaker’s remarks, the cake-cutting ceremony, dessert, and dancing.

Will there be pictures?

During the cocktail hour pictures will be taken. During the ceremony, Guest Speaker’s remarks, and dinner, please only take pictures when necessary to preserve the integrity of the event.

Will there be a Guest of Honor?

Following dinner, ADM Christopher W. Grady, USN will give remarks on the Navy and Marine Corps Birthdays, as well as reflection on his time in the Navy.

What do I do during retiring of the colors?

At the end of the ceremony, the Color Guard will retrieve the colors. Please remain standing for this portion of the event. The CO will then offer closing remarks following the ceremony, and invite the Battalion and all guests to the dance floor to celebrate.