On this date back in 1775, the Continental Congress authorized the formation of the United States Marine Corps.
Today, I went to the Lakes American Legion Post 703 in Fox Lake, Illinois, where a group was putting on a birthday breakfast and fundraiser for the annual Marine Corps Toys for Tots drive.
They served some really heavy-duty coffee, scrambled eggs, and the old Marine standby, SOS, or ____ on a shingle, a sausage gravy on toast.
Marine veterans from World War II and the Korean War were seated at the table of honor and were served first, as it should be.
There was a LOT of United States and Marine HISTORY in this room. After breakfast, everyone had the chance to say a few words about their connection with the Corps.
I didn't get the names, but did get some of the stories which I will relate here.
At Pearl Harbor and past national president of the Pearl Harbor Survivor's Association.
Member of Carlson's Raiders during WWII.
At Sugar Loaf (I'm not sure what war that was). Said to new marines about Rules of Engagement. "Ours were, if it moves, shoot it.'"
Born in Germany. At Guadalcanal and Okinawa.
One lady Marine said she also married a Marine for 60 years. They were both in WWII, but she had a family and couldn't serve in Korea like her husband.
Served 1942-1945, but was fortunate enough never to be in combat.
In Korean War and at Chosin reservoir.
Vietnam Vet, but just got first Marine Corps tattoo three weeks ago.
Will be graduating high school in 2008 and has already signed up for the Corps. Will be leaving for training in August. He got a BIG round of applause.
Mother has two sons in the Corps. One joined in 2004 and the younger one in 2005. Both in Iraq. She got a big round of applause.
Joined the Corps in 1945 and all he has to say is "Thank you Harry" to President Truman who authorized the atomic bomb to be used against Japan. Said he and thousands of others were at Camp Pendleton in California preparing for the invasion of Japan.
There were also two active duty Marines present.
Ooo-Rah!!!
RoadDog's RoadLog Blog: Being my travels down those great two lane highways of this nation as well as news I learn about them from media sources. Since I'm also very interested in historic preservation, there will be a lot of that as well.
The Shamrock Court Motel in Sullivan, Missouri. It can be yours for $125,000. Lots of possibilities. Actually, now you're too late. Missouri's Roamin' Rich bought it.
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