Formal dinners in wardrooms afloat and messes are among the finest traditions of military Institutions. Undoubtedly a carryover from the British practice of formal gatherings of men in an atmosphere of dignity which they felt contributed to the unity and spirit of an organization.
The dress is Mess dress, blues, whites or black tie for civilian guests. All are assembled for cocktail hour to enjoy a bit of socializing before the festivities. A warning is given to finish drinks, make head calls and assemble for march into the room. Once the music has started all proceed to their places in the dining room, remain standing behind their chairs until a short grace is announced, after which all are seated and the first course is served. Officers are seated according to rank, the Commanding Officer or another who is designated to act as President of The Mess is at the head of the table, the junior lieutenant at the other end. The ranking guest is served first, the serving then continues counter-clockwise, not according to rank. Simultaneously the other side of the table is served beginning with the officer seated to the right of the junior lieutenant.
The long table is not covered with a cloth. Instead, narrow runners are placed along both sides of it to lay the table service. This permits the soft glow of the candlelight and the silver candelabra to be reflected on the polished mahogany as well as facilitating the complete removal of all the table service, including the runners themselves before the port is passed. Two or three table wines may accompany the meal, depending on the number of courses. The dinner ends with a savory, rather than a sweet desert, since the latter spoils the taste of the port.
The table is then cleared. A wine glass is placed before each officer. The port is passed, each officer pouring from the decanter and passing it to the left until all glasses are charged. The Commanding Officer or President of The Mess then rises to propose the first toast. “Mr. Vice- The President” The junior lieutenant then rises, glass in hand, waits until all have risen, and gives the toast “Gentlemen, The President of the United States”.
All repeat, “The President”, drink and again seat themselves. After a pause of two or three minutes a second toast may be drunk. If a foreign Officer is present, the second toast is always to the sovereign or president of his country. The toast should end with the customary rum-punch toast to the United States Marine Corps. Non-drinkers turn over their wine glass during dinner and toast with an empty glass. It is disrespectful not to bring the glass to your mouth either way. If there is a formal speaker this is the time for him to speak.
With the formal toasts over and speakers’ remarks finished, coffee is served. Conversation becomes general and the atmosphere becomes informal. All remain at the table until the senior Officers and Guests arise.