Commandant of the Marine Corps Gen. James F. Amos cuts the Marine Corps birthday cake during the cake cutting ceremony at the Pentagon in Washington Nov. 8, 2011.

A sword is used to cut the cake to remind Marines that they are a band of warriors, committed to carrying the sword so that the nation may live in peace.

USMC Lance Cpl. Chelsea Flowers

More photos of the Marine Corps birthday ceremony at the Pentagon below.

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