Local Marines marked the branch’s 249th anniversary with a military ball held Saturday in Weirton. Cynthia Wolanski Crawford was honored and named the youngest service member in attendance. Gabriel Arlia was announced the oldest. The ceremony displayed how Marines share their knowledge with one another from generation to generation, signifying the gesture by feeding one another birthday cake. Crawford joined the Marines after graduating from Burgettstown High School, although her path to being a Marine began at the age of 8 when she became a member of the Young Marines, where she became acquainted with Arlia. The two celebrate the Marines’ birthday every year, as well as their own, born the same day. Crawford’s sister Jessica Wolanski serves in the Navy near the Red Sea.