A fully-outfitted U.S. Marine Corps band, dozens of
officers strong, began to play a Jelly Roll Morton jazz standard.
It was certainly a unique privilege getting the chance
to start off Carnival season with the Legion of Mars. As the only Carnival
organization dedicated to honoring the officers of military and first response,
the annual Grand Ball of the Legion recently held at the Hyatt Regency hotel
was one-of-a-kind for the city's indoor Carnival celebrations. While many of
the parading krewes of Mardi Gras are generations-spanning social clubs for
specific neighborhoods around the city, the Legion's unique service-oriented
purpose and theming lend it both the feel of an established Carnival
institution and the dynamic vigor of an up-and-coming Krewe getting ready for
its eighth parade.
Inspired by both the format of a traditional military
ball and the celebrations of contemporary Mardi Gras, the event opened with a
wide spectacle of ceremonies that, in my observation, highlighted both the
members' rock-solid military discipline and the ultimate celebratory feel of
the evening. The Marine Corps band switched on a dime between triumphant
renditions of "House of the Rising Sun" and other famous New Orleans songs, to
a dignified performance of each branch of the Armed Forces' theme, accompanied
by the standing and respecting of its present officers. Just as quickly as the
presentation reveled in comedic offerings of each branch's contribution of an
ingredient in the Legion's traditional "Mardi Grog" cocktail, so too did it
parlay this upbeat energy into an obeisant commemoration of the fallen officers
who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country, signified by an elaborately
adorned empty table.
Once the Royal Court had completed their assembly and
the ceremonies had reached their conclusion, a long night of revelry followed. The
event saw many tuxedos and floor-length ballgowns, but the highest honors were
given to those in uniform. Many active-duty servicemen and women wore their
regalia, and others were adorned in WWII period fatigues as a collaboration
between the Legion and the National WWII Museum. Here, a group of active-duty
officers in the USMC. There, Purple Heart veterans from the Vietnam and
Afghanistan eras. Given the event's namesake of the Roman god of war, all
parties also mingled freely with costumed Roman centurions. Having had a chance
to talk with honored veterans and first responders, it was a common sentiment
that there was a special honor attached to receiving recognition from a group
specifically composed of and dedicated to fellow officers.
Getting a chance to try the much-hyped Mardi Grog near
the end of the evening, its distinctive sour-sweet palate encapsulated both the
trials and discipline faced every day by those in uniform, and the commendable
celebration of honoring their commitment. Indeed, the Legion's event was
composed for a group of officers who have, with no doubt, earned their respect
and the celebrations of the night. The organization is diligently preparing for
its annual "Mardi Gras War" down St. Charles Avenue this season, and I am anticipating
nothing short of a decisive victory.
The Legion of Mars annual Grand Ball occurred on January, 28th at the Hyatt Regency Hotel. The Legion is set to parade in Uptown New Orleans alongside the Krewe of Alla on February 18, 2022, at 7 p.m. For more information on the Legion of Mars, visit their website at legionofmars.com.
