Archive for Tuesday, November 10, 2009
U.S. Marines of all ages celebrate 234th birthday of Corps
The U.S. Marine Corps celebrated its 234th birthday locally on Tuesday with veterans and friends at the Dole Institute of Politics. In traditional style, Col. Ivan Glasco, second from right, and Capt. Jose Nicolas cut birthday cake to mark the occasion. John Diehl, left, was recognized as the oldest Marine in attendance and received the second piece of cake, while 23-year-old Lance Cpl. Jordan Alley, center, was to receive the third piece for being the youngest Marine there. Glasco, the assistant chief of staff of the Marine Corps Mobilization Command and the guest of honor, got the first piece.
November 10, 2009
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U.S. Marines of all ages celebrate 234th birthday of Corps
Marine survivors from every major American military operation since World War II were represented as about 200 Lawrence area Marines celebrated the Corps’ 234th birthday on Tuesday at the Dole Institute of Politics. Enlarge video
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It was a gathering of the past, present and future.
The U.S. Marine Corps celebrated their 234th birthday Tuesday, Nov. 10, locally with veterans and friends at the Dole Institute of Politics. Many veterans were in attendance including, from left, John Diehl, Al Gallup, Jim Stokes and Dennis Kemberling.
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Marine survivors from every major American military operation since World War II were represented as about 200 Lawrence area Marines celebrated the Corps’ 234th birthday on Tuesday at the Dole Institute of Politics.
As Marines of all ages celebrated their rich history, they recognized the U.S. Marines who remain engaged in wars in Afghanistan and Iraq.
“There was a fear when this war started that the current generation might not be able to live up to your traditions, your bravery, your courage, your honor,” said Col. Ivan Glasco, the guest of honor at the birthday celebration.
But Glasco, an Overland Park resident and assistant chief of staff of the Marine Corps Mobilization Command, said current Marines have done their part to live up to tradition — the spirit that Lt. Gen. John A. Lejeune wanted to memorialize in 1921 when he ordered Marines to celebrate their founding annually.
Glasco held up a photo of 26-year-old Sgt. Cesar B. Ruiz, a San Antonio Marine, who was killed Oct. 31 in a roadside bombing in Afghanistan. Ruiz volunteered to be sent there for a second tour even though he had the option to stay home.
“The current generation can and is living up to your standards — brave, courageous with honor and conviction,” said Glasco, who served in Iraq in 2004. “That’s the present.”
The birthday celebration in Lawrence has grown in about 30 years from a few city department leaders and employees gathering in the City Commission meeting room to a 200-person event at the Dole Institute, said Erv Hodges, who served from 1948 to 1970.
The first Marines that Hodges recognized on Tuesday were World War II veterans.
“I feel like American is a special place, and we have enjoyed a lot of good living in this country,” said J. Earl Wilson, 85. “I wish we could keep it that way.”
Wilson, a Lawrence resident, said he remembered joining the Marine Corps in 1943 at the urging of a friend. He finished his duty in 1945 as a corporal and had served in the Philippines.
John Diehl, 91, of Lawrence also served in the South Pacific. As the oldest Marine present, he received the second piece of cake at the celebration, and Lance Cpl. Jordan Alley, 23, the youngest present, received the third piece. Glasco got the first piece.
“At the time we were in war, we served because it was the thing to do,” Diehl said. “I’m very proud that I served and proud that I was a Marine.”
Near the end of his speech, Glasco marched 10 members of the Marine option of Kansas University’s Naval ROTC to the front. He called them to be leaders in the future.
“It’s not going to be about you because we are a nation at war,” Glasco said. “And I’m going to stand here and tell you, that’s a very strong responsibility.”
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10 November 2009
at 4:57 p.m.
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keebler1rk (Anonymous) says…
Happy Birthday Marine Corps. Thank you to all who have served, & protected what is left of our freedom.!
10 November 2009
at 6:32 p.m.
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vanguard3 (Anonymous) says…
Semper Fi, Devil Dogs. Tunn's Tavern, I'd love to have a drink there.
11 November 2009
at 10:06 a.m.
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oldvet (Anonymous) says…
Freedom is not free, but the U.S. Marine Corps will pay most of your share.
11 November 2009
at 10:14 a.m.
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vanguard3 (Anonymous) says…
I saw a photo of Marines in Afghanistan, circa 2002. On one of their vehicles was stenciled “You hit 9-11 and we respond.” Gotta love that attitude.
11 November 2009
at 10:33 a.m.
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porch_person (Anonymous) says…
God Bless the United States Marine Corps.
Happy Birthday!!
Semper Fi!!
11 November 2009
at 10:38 a.m.
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mr_right_wing (Anonymous) says…
One great big huge Ooh-rah!!
And many many thanks (which could never be enough)!
11 November 2009
at 11:59 a.m.
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tbaker (Anonymous) says…
Happy birthday Marines. God bless you.
11 November 2009
at 1:05 p.m.
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Irish (Irish Swearingen) says…
“You hit 9-11 and we respond.”
Who does not love a marine?
These men and women go though so much. What we have forgotten is that World War II was so carefully managed as to what the press could tell and show people. Vets were shown as happy and cheerful.
Now we see much more of the truth. Vets, and those still serving, may not be able to tell their loved ones what they went though.
So, we have the need for a mental health professional to help the person deal with the stress.
So, we have the need to screen the docs.
11 November 2009
at 1:14 p.m.
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StirrrThePot (Anonymous) says…
Thank you to every US Marine going back 234 years!! Your service is valued, admired, and very much appreciated.
Oooh-rah!
11 November 2009
at 8:08 p.m.
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HogJiver (Anonymous) says…
semper fi
usmc 67-68
11 November 2009
at 9:02 p.m.
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budtugly (Anonymous) says…
We used to call ourselves Uncle Sams Misguided Children
USMC 1969-1971 Semper Fi