The 2011 Marine Corps Birthday Ball promises to be a star-studded series of events thanks to several recent YouTube invites to high-profile celebs like Scarlett Johansson and Justin Timberlake. The new "tradition" has taken YouTube by storm, as deployed Marines and those stationed stateside alike have used the video service to target their favorite celebrities. Here are the high-profile invitees for this year's Marine Corps Ball thus far:
Sgt. Scott Moore kicked off the trend in early July when he posted a YouTube clip from Musa Qala, Afghanistan, where he's currently stationed, in which he asked Kunis to join him at the Marine Corps Ball. "Hey, Mila, this is Sgt. Moore, but you can call me Scott. I just want to take a moment out of my day to invite you to the Marine Corps Ball on Nov. 18 in Greenville, North Carolina, with yours truly. Take a second, think about it, get back to me," Moore asked Kunis.
After some cajoling from her "Friends With Benefits" co-star Timberlake, Kunis accepted Sgt. Moore's offer.
After Sgt. Moore's success in scoring a date with Kunis -- and considering Timberlake's assistance in that regard -- Cpl. Kelsey De Santis posted a YouTube invite to Timberlake from the Marine base in Quantico, Va. Naturally, Kunis couldn't pass up the opportunity for some good-natured ribbing at a "Friends With Benefits" press event, telling Timberlake, "Do it for your country."
"I'll tell you what, I accept," Timberlake said. "If my schedule works out to do it, I'd love to do it. It's an honor."
Sgt. Ray Lewis was the next Marine to issue a YouTube invite. Sgt. Lewis said of his choice, 89-year-old actress Betty White: "She's funny, she's sweet, she's mature. She's the all-around perfect woman. I really think we'd have a good time."
Unfortunately, White had to decline Sgt. Lewis' offer: "I am deeply flattered and truly appreciate the invitation. As everyone knows, I love a man in uniform. But unfortunately, I cannot accept, as I will be taping an episode of 'Hot in Cleveland.' Love, Betty White."
Sgt. Lewis had no trouble finding a replacement for White. "Terminator" actress Linda Hamilton extended her own YouTube offer to attend the Marine Corps Ball as his date.
A Marine who identified himself only as Pfc. Hart acknowledged a trend in his July 19 YouTube clip. "An amazing tradition has just begun: Marines asking celebrities out to the Marine Corps Ball. On Nov. 12, 2011, I, Pfc. Hart, would like to take a date, a proud American, Miley Cyrus, out to the Marine Corps Ball in beautiful Southern California. Camp Pendleton. Please, Miley Cyrus, this one's for you, girl," Hart said, playing her song "Party in the U.S.A."
While Cyrus hasn't responded to the invite as of this writing, we wouldn't be surprised if proud papa Billy Ray Cyrus encourages her to go. He's currently the host of "Surprise Homecoming," a TLC series that shows U.S. military personnel returning home to their families.
Sgt. Erin Fitzgerald got in on the action from Afghanistan, inviting Walker to join her at the Marine Corps Ball via a YouTube video uploaded July 14. "The Fast and the Furious" star hasn't responded to the invitation, but considering that Sgt. Fitzgerald is stationed in Afghanistan until October, he's got time.
Sgt. Dustin L. Williams is the latest Marine to invite a celebrity, asking Johansson via YouTube: "It would be my pleasure to take you to the Marine Corps Ball and spend an evening with you," he said .
Johansson was quick to respond: "Sgt. Williams, unfortunately due to prior commitments I will not be able to attend the ball with you this year, but I am sending you a case of Moet and Chandon with gratitude."
The "Avengers" actress also took the opportunity to thank Marines for their service, saying, "I feel incredibly honored. Not only does Sgt. Williams deserve recognition for his bravery, selflessness and dedication to the United States and its people, but also displays a cheeky talent for filmmaking. In my absence, I raise a glass to you and all the men and women of the U.S. Marine Corps, past and present, in thanks for your continued commitment to preserving the safety of our nation."
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