Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Tuesday was another awesome day with the guys and women from the Marine Corps League.
About seven years ago a couple of former Marines (my dad, The Colonel, being one) here in Camdenton, Missouri, thought it would be fun to celebrate the Marine Corps Birthday. They did.
They said "next year" let's see how many Marines we can find in the area to celebrate with us.
From that conversation, the following year - six years ago - "The Group Of Five" emerged to celebrate the Birthday and form the nucleus of what is now the local Detachment of the Marine Corps League.
It is an officially sanctioned organization of former Marines united in camaraderie and fellowship to preserve the traditions and promote the interests of the Marine Corps, the ideals of American freedom and democracy, to aid all Marines and former Marines and their widows and orphans, to perpetuate the history of the Marine Corps, and to serve their local community.
In six years this Detachment has raised the money to buy and rehab their own building outright, to outfit themselves for as needed for special events, and to purchase a van so they can travel together as a group to the activities, events, and ceremonies in which they participate. And, it has skyrocketed to 80 active memebers. In this tiny community, I find all of that quite remarkable.
But, I guess I shouldn't be surprised. These are, after all, Marines.
Tuesday they had the official "Dedication Ceremony" for their Headquarters Building.
I was honored to be there with The Colonel.
Tuesday was another awesome day with the guys and women from the Marine Corps League.
About seven years ago a couple of former Marines (my dad, The Colonel, being one) here in Camdenton, Missouri, thought it would be fun to celebrate the Marine Corps Birthday. They did.
They said "next year" let's see how many Marines we can find in the area to celebrate with us.
From that conversation, the following year - six years ago - "The Group Of Five" emerged to celebrate the Birthday and form the nucleus of what is now the local Detachment of the Marine Corps League.
It is an officially sanctioned organization of former Marines united in camaraderie and fellowship to preserve the traditions and promote the interests of the Marine Corps, the ideals of American freedom and democracy, to aid all Marines and former Marines and their widows and orphans, to perpetuate the history of the Marine Corps, and to serve their local community.
In six years this Detachment has raised the money to buy and rehab their own building outright, to outfit themselves for as needed for special events, and to purchase a van so they can travel together as a group to the activities, events, and ceremonies in which they participate. And, it has skyrocketed to 80 active memebers. In this tiny community, I find all of that quite remarkable.
But, I guess I shouldn't be surprised. These are, after all, Marines.
Tuesday they had the official "Dedication Ceremony" for their Headquarters Building.
I was honored to be there with The Colonel.
The Marines Have, Indeed, Landed
The Honor Guard
Flag Raising
Ribbon Cutting
Cake Cutting (Youngest & Oldest, Again)
Award To The Commandant
The Colonel - Bill - Dan (The Commandant) Sergeant Liberty
After the Flag Raising and Ribbon Cutting, the Members and the Auxiliary prepared a steak and baked potato feast of monumental proportions. The steaks were grilled on a monster grill outside and could not have been better. Accompanied by baked potatoes and salad, the meal was awesome and the huge array of home made deserts even better.
I'm guessing there were 50 or 60 people there. Maybe more. The Commandant, Dan, was presented with an award. They raised about $6,000 in a raffle. And, this being a Marine Corps event, what else would they raffle than a weapon. A slick handgun that it seems everyone in the building REALLY wanted.
There was lots of laughter, war stories, good natured ribbing, and a ton of gratitude and respect shown to my Dad, The Colonel, who was one of the original founders of this Detachment and a strong leader when he served as Commandant. I know he personally raised at least $35,000 or more for the Detachment. They all seem to hold him in the highest regard for both his service as a Marine Corps Fighter Pilot in WWII and Korea, and for his contributions, leadership, and efforts to make the Detachment successful.
I was extraordinarily proud to be with him.
The Colonel
In case any of you Marines from the Detachment happen to read this, thanks for looking after The Colonel and for your gracious hospitality and the warm welcome you all extended to me.Semper Fi.....
No comments:
Post a Comment