Final answer:
General John A. Lejeune significantly contributed to the formalization of the Marine Corps Ball by initiating the tradition of reading the Commandant's birthday message and establishing various customs including the birthday cake ceremony.
Step-by-step explanation:
General John A. Lejeune, the 13th Commandant of the Marine Corps, formalized the Marine Corps Ball in several significant ways that have become lasting traditions. Among his contributions, he initiated the tradition of reading the Commandant’s birthday message during the ball. This is a form of homage to the history and accomplishments of the Marines, and it serves to remind those present of their service’s storied past and values.
In 1921, General Lejeune issued Marine Corps Order No. 47, Series 1921, which summarized the history, mission, and tradition of the Corps. This order is now read at every Marine Corps Ball. Additionally, while General Lejeune did introduce many traditions, the introduction of the birthday cake and the customary ball sequence also include the cake-cutting ceremony, where the first piece of cake is presented to the oldest Marine present, who in turn hands it off to the youngest Marine, symbolizing the passing of experience and knowledge from the old to the young.