Marine Corps celebrates birthday
BONNERS FERRY — More than 50 people turned out to celebrate the U.S. Marine Corps' 248th birthday Nov. 10.
The local Marine Corps League presented a free dinner of grilled chicken, lasagna and green beans to the Marine veterans who turned out to celebrate. Also joining in the celebration were Army, Navy and Air Force veterans.
The annual celebration pays homage to the formation of the corps Nov. 10, 1775, in Philadelphia, Pa.
In addition to dinner, a cake ceremony was held with Capt. Greg Taggert conducting the event and cutting honors being done by local Marine, William H. Sills III, who used his sword during her service as a noncommissioned officer.
"In accord with tradition, I presented the first piece of cake to the oldest Marine present, which humorously was myself," Sills told the Herald. "I then gave it to the youngest Marine, Greg Taggert
The oldest veteran in attendance was Ken Blockham, who served in the U.S. Air Force.
symbolizing passing on the Corps traditions to the new Marines."
The group sang the Marine Corps Hymn, read the 1921 birthday tribute Gen. John A. LeJeune, 13th commandant of the Marine Corps; and the birthday tribute by current Marine Corps commandant, Gen. Eric Smith.
In LeJeune's 1921 speech, he directed the corps to remember the birthday to honor Marines who served and continue to serve and distinguish themselves, on many battlefields and foreign shores, in both war and in peace.
"In memory of them, it is fitting that we who are Marines should commemorate the Birthday of our Corps by calling to mind the glories of its long and illustrious history," LeJeune said in his birthday message.
LeJeune said that, throughout history, since Captain Samuel Nicholas raised two battalions of Marines through an act of the Second Continental Congress, the Corps' troops have quit themselves with honor and distinction.
"This high name of distinction and soldierly repute we who are Marines today have received from those who preceded us in the Corps. With it we also received from them the eternal spirit which has animated our Corps from generation to generation and has been the distinguishing mark of the Marines in every age," LeJeune said. "So long as that spirit continues to flourish Marines will be found equal to every emergency in the future as they have been in the past, and the men of our nation will regard us as worthy successors to the long line of illustrious men who have served as 'Soldiers of the Sea' since the founding of the Corps."
In his birthday message, Smith said that while he has celebrated the birthday in a variety of places over the years, what lies at the heart of each is the joining together of Marines in celebration of the Corps' founding.
"Like many of you, I've celebrated our birthday in a variety of 'climes and places' over the years, but what matters most is that we're together as a family — spiritually, if not physically," he said. "I'd ask you to take a moment to reach out to your brothers and sisters sitting next to you, as well as those you may not have connected with in a while. Have fun, and Happy Birthday, Marines!"
Local veterans gathered Nov. 10 to celebrate the 248th birthday of the U.S. Marine Corps.