Young Marines Give Thanks To Local Veterans
(November 21, 2010) |
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| | SWANSBORO, N.C. (MCN - 11/14/2010) — In 1776, Nathan Hale, a
soldier in the Continental Army during the Revolutionary
War, was captured by the British during an
intelligence-gathering operation in New York City. Upon his
hanging, Hale, with his last mortal breath, spoke the
time-enduring words, “I only regret that I have but one life
to lose for my country.” |
SWANSBORO, N.C.-A detail of Swansboro Young Marines salute a passing color guard as they hold a total of 107 balloons with the names of local veterans tied to the ends during the 6th annual Veterans Appreciation Spaghetti Dinner at the Woodsmen of the World Lodge 1405, Nov. 14. These two events are part of the annual veterans appreciation week where the Young Marines must hold three events that honor military veterans. |
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Since then, such acts and feelings of patriotism and
self-sacrifice have never weathered with the flow of time as
military men and women have earned the mark of a hero. Later
in life, after they step down from active service, their
heroic deeds are not retired with their uniforms, but
carried on to be recognized by following generations.
Such is the purpose behind the Swansboro Young Marines
detachment as they hosted their 6th annual Veterans
Appreciation Spaghetti Dinner and Veterans Balloon-releasing
Ceremony at the Woodsmen of the World Lodge 1405, Nov. 14.
“Every year, the Young Marines have a veterans
appreciation week where they |
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must hold three events that honor military
veterans,” said Sherri Cooney, paymaster for the
Swansboro Young Marines. “Earlier they marched
in the Veterans Day Parade, and today they are
doing the spaghetti dinner and
balloon-releasing.” |
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The event started with a detail of Young Marines formed up
with a total of 107 balloons with the names of local
veterans tied to the ends. After the color guard marched and
posted, a few words on the importance of honoring veterans
were shared by the guest speaker, Col. Timothy S. Mundy,
commanding officer of the School of Infantry – East aboard
Camp Geiger.
“Unfortunately, armed conflict has always been a terrible
part of history,” said Mundy. “For that, there will always
be a need for men and women in uniform, so it is important
we honor those veterans and reflect on their sacrifices.”
After his speech, Mundy gave the order for the detail of
Young Marines to release the balloons into the clear blue
Sunday sky. Attendees and veterans were invited into the
lodge following the balloon release for the spaghetti
dinner.
At the end of the day, the Young Marines accomplished their
annual task of honoring our nation's veterans, but not just
because they were required to, but because each one of them
feels it inside themselves to recognize those who have
marched before them.
"If it wasn't for the veterans who fought for our country,
we wouldn't enjoy the freedom we have today," said YM Pvt.
Brenda Kiser. "They fought and died for us; it's only right
that we recognize them."
With another veterans appreciation week come and gone, it
does not mean we as a country should ignore the daily
sacrifices made by the brave men and women in uniform, past
and present. The Swansboro Young Marines understand this, as
many American do, not letting the memory of our veterans
valor die. |
Article and photo By USMC LCpl. Jonathan G. Wright
Marine Corps Base Camp LeJeune
Copyright 2010 | |
Reprinted from
Marine Corps News
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