The Youngest Marine – Pvt. Zach Riesen, born June 27,

The Youngest Marine – Pvt. Zach Riesen, born June 27, 2001, waits to begin the Marine Corps Birthday cake cutting ceremony at the Roseburg VA Health Care System campus, Roseburg, Oregon, Nov. 8, 2019. During the Marine Corps Birthday ceremony, the oldest Marine presents the youngest Marine a piece of cake to symbolize the passing of responsibility from one generation to the next. Riesen belongs to the newest generation of Marines, many who were born after September 11, 2001. Marines, family and friends gathered here to celebrate the Marine Corps’ 244th birthday – Marines across the globe join together to honor all generations of Marines and Sailors by reading Gen. John A Lejeune’s birthday message, eat cake, share stories and build esprit de corps. (Official VA Photo by T. T. Parish/Released)