Justin Timberlake "blown away" by Marine Corps Ball attendees

Nov 14, 2011 8:07 AM by Sara McGinnis

Posted in Entertainment / Celebrity Gossip

Justin Timberlake At The Marine Corps Ball

Justin Timberlake has made good on his promise to attend the Marine Corps Ball. The invited guest donned a tuxedo Saturday night for the big event that turned out to be a very moving evening.

Justin Timberlake

Justin Timberlake spent this past Saturday evening as the guest of Corporal Kelsey DeSantis at the Marine Corps Ball -- "an event that turned out to be one of the most moving evenings," according to Timberlake.

In July, the 30-year-old accepted an invitation to the event saying he'd be "honored" to attend. This week, Timberlake followed through and has written a long entry on his website detailing his night at the Marine Corps Ball, specifically his impression of his fellow attendees.

"I knew I would have an evening that I wouldn't forget... Something I could tell my friends about," he wrote Sunday. "What I didn't know was how moved I would be by the whole experience."

Of his Marine Corps Ball date Justin Timberlake wrote:

She seemed to me to be so humble and honest... Very cool. She also simultaneously seemed like she was nervous about the whole evening and if I was going to enjoy myself. "Are you ok?" she asked 2 or 3 times. "I hope you are having fun. I know you will once my crew of friends get here to the table." I have to tell you, it's not every day that I meet a 23-year-old girl and she's more worried about if I'm having fun or if I'm comfortable! It hit me all of a sudden that these were the type of people that look after us and our freedom... Humble, concerned for others before themselves... This was the type of person our Marine Corps was building. I was really blown away.

Of his evening at the Marine Corps Ball, Timberlake wrote that he was nearly moved to tears by a video of Marines throughout history, thoroughly enjoyed meeting Corporal Kelsey DeSantis' friends and even danced a little. "I felt so proud to be there," he wrote. "I felt like I was getting a chance to be among my heroes. It's funny too because a lot of them are SO younger than me."

In a message to those who serve, Justin Timberlake wrote, "To all of you that serve every day for us... Ensuring our freedom, I say: My deepest gratitude to you. I've met so many of my heroes... From Michael Jordan to Michael Jackson. And, nothing makes me feel more honor and pride than when I get to meet one of you. Last night changed my life and I will never forget it."

His blog continued with this emotional appeal: "To people like me who get to benefit from this type of person... One with character and courage. With strength and bravery. With humility and honor... I say: Send your thanks. Do it however you can. Write a letter, type an email... Hell, buy 'em a beer next time you run into someone from our Armed Forces in a bar. When they say thank you for that drink that cost you 3 bucks, they'll mean it. They won't take it for granted and, they won't forget it."