The formal mess, or Dining In, is a dinner function for members of a military organization whereby officers and noncommissioned officers gather socially in a ceremonial setting. The purpose of the formal mess is to establish and maintain esprit de corps, and is usually attended by participants in dress uniform.

It also is an evening of light-hearted humor and good-natured ribbing. The epitome of this is the levying of minor fines by the officers of the mess for "inappropriate" behavior and violations of protocol.

During dinner, the Junior Officer of the Mess (Mr. Vice) and the President of the Mess will permit all attendees to bring to their attention breeches of conduct (if you can think of it, it's a violation). Mr. Vice serves as the "traffic cop" for all suggested violations and the President levies the fine against the "violator." All is in good fun and the proceeds support the Penndelphia Scholarship Foundation.

A key part of the evening's activities includes elaborate toasts, which can involved honoring quests and all the military units represented at the mess. After the glasses are "charged," or filled with wine or port, members of each branch of service toast their counterparts in other services to the accompaniment of the honored service's march or anthem.

6:00 p.m.	Reception and Silent Auction Cash bar and auction closes at 8 p.m.
7:00 p.m.	Posting of the Colors
7:10 p.m.	Welcome Remarks Introduction of 2005-2006 Scholarship Recipients Terry A. Williamson
7:20 p.m.	"Tasting of the Beef" Col. Christopher Baker Jr., USMCR (Ret.)
7:30 p.m.	Dinner is Served Fines Levied as Appropriate
8:05 p.m.	Flag Folding Ceremony Col. Siegfried Honig
8:15 p.m.	Formal Toasts Honor Services and Fallen Comrades
8:30 p.m.	Keynote Remarks The "Civil" Side of the Iraq War Col. Kevin J. McAleese USAR Col. Vanessa D. Barron USAR 358th Civil Affairs Brigade, Norristown, PA
9:00 p.m.	Adjourn

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Members of local Armed Forces units prepare to present the colors.

Col. Chris Baker USMCR (Ret.), president of the mess, prepares to "taste the beef" in one of the colorful ceremonies of the Armed Forces "Dining In."