Marines from across the Granite State will pause to observe the Marine Corps 249th birthday on Sunday, Nov. 10. The Manchester Expeditionary Brigade, a group of local volunteers, will host the event at the Derryfield Country Club at 625 Mammoth Road in Manchester.

Tradition dictates that the first piece of cake is presented to the guest of honor, who this year is Andrew Biggio, who will speak to his mission of helping his own generation of veterans and the urgency to honor WWII veterans who are vanishing at an alarming rate. He saw the need to link their methods of living a successful life after combat and pass it on to today's veterans. This sparked a three-year journey. Over 200 veterans later, Biggio published a written experience of the journey called "The Rifle" and "The Rifle II." Biggio is also the founder of Boston's Wounded Vet Run, New England's largest motorcycle ride dedicated to severely wounded veterans.

Biggio is a 2006 graduate of Malden Catholic High School, served six years as a Marine Corps infantry rifleman during Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom (Afghanistan) and has obtained his master's degree in Homeland Security from Northeastern University. Biggio is currently employed as a Boston police officer.

Then, according to tradition, the second piece of cake is served to the oldest Marine at the ceremony. This Marine then passes that slice of cake to the youngest Marine in attendance symbolizing the passing of traditions from one generation of Marines to the next and the responsibility of experienced Marines to their junior members.

The cake ceremony is "piped" in to "The Marines' Hymn" and the cake is cut with the traditional officer's Mameluke sword. Additional ceremonies include remembering our fallen Marines with an empty table setting in a place of honor symbolizing those who served and paid the ultimate sacrifice for our freedoms followed by the playing of "Taps."

The event is open to all Marines, family and friends and begins with a social hour at 11 a.m. and will conclude with a Marine Corps memorabilia raffle at 2 p.m.

Reservations are required. Tickets are $40 per person if purchased prior to Oct. 18. Tickets will be on a space available basis for $45 per person if purchased after Oct. 18. Tickets may be purchased online at www.USMCBirthdayCelebration.rsvpify.com. For further information, contact Kimberly Lindberg at 603-296-0030 or [email protected].

Guests are invited to donate an unwrapped new toy for the Marine Corps Reserve "Toys for Tots" campaign for distribution to local children in need during the upcoming holidays.