The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency hosted a cake cutting ceremony honoring the United States Marine Corps’ 249th Birthday at the command’s headquarters on Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii., Oct. 31, 2024.

Guest speaker, U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Gen. James F. Glynn, U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific commander, highlighted the Corps' enduring legacy and the critical missions Marines undertake, especially within DPAA.

“Thanks to the contributions of every service member and thanks for the contributions to this mission of DPAA,” said Glynn.

The general noted that DPAA plays a vital role for the Department of Defense, ensuring no U.S. personnel are left behind from past conflicts. This agency is responsible for researching, recovering, and identifying the remains of American personnel missing from past conflicts, driven by honor, courage, and a commitment to those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

“Semper Fidelis; always faithful, is in line with never forgotten, we will never stop the search to account for each and every one of those we lost,” said Glynn.

In fiscal year 2024, 14 Marines were accounted-for from World War II and the Vietnam War, providing answers to families who have awaited them for decades. This achievement is supported by 21 Marines currently stationed at DPAA, as well as 50 Marine short-term individual augmentees, who investigated leads, excavated sites, and coordinated with foreign governments in challenging environments. DPAA plans to increase this number of STIA to 56 in fiscal year 2025, underscoring the mission's importance.

“This mission is driven by commitment ensuring that no service member is ever forgotten,” said U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Jeremy B. Smith, deputy director Indo-Pacific directorate and senior Marine officer at DPAA. “Every day we work tirelessly with families who have long awaited answers about their loved ones, those who bravely served our country and have not yet returned home.”

Included in the celebration was the traditional cake-cutting ceremony, symbolizing the passing of knowledge between generations of Marines. The oldest Marine, Col. Anthony Lyons, assistant chief of staff, Aviation Logistics Division, Marine Corps Forces, Pacific, passed a slice of cake to the youngest Marine in attendance, Cpl. Stephen J. Holland II, combat videographer, DPAA, representing the continuity of the Corps and its values.

The mission of recovering lost U.S. personnel may seem distant from daily operations, “but it is an integral part of the U.S. Marine Corps’ identity,” said Glynn, who also noted that “we will account for everyone, we will do everything we can to bring everyone home and, in the instances, where the moment doesn’t permit that, we know we have you.”

The ceremony stressed the need to honor those who served and to inspire future generations to uphold the commitment to service, loyalty and remembrance, ensuring that the sacrifices made for freedom remain in the hearts and minds of all Americans.

Also in attendance was Medal of Honor recipient Dakota Meyer, who was a Marine sergeant when he earned the nation’s highest military award for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of life above and beyond the call of duty.

Glynn concluded his remarks stating, “We are closing the circle and fulfilling not just our legacy, but our promise. So, from me, to all of you, to all the Marines, happy birthday!”