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Veterans, Marines and sailors gathered together to remember the
legacy and the heritage of the 2nd Marine Division at the 75th
annual battle colors rededication and award ceremony at Camp
Lejeune, N.C., Feb. 5.
The 2nd Marine Brigade was formed July
1, 1936, in San Diego, Calif. It wasn't until Feb. 1, 1941, that the
brigade was rechristened as the 2nd Marine Division in Camp Elliott,
Calif.
In honor of the Marines who had fought in previous
wars, battle streamers were rededicated and placed on the division's
flag, or colors.
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Maj. Gen. Brian D. Beaudreault, commanding general of 2nd Marine Division, addresses the attendees of the 2nd Marine Division battle colors rededication and award ceremony at Camp Lejeune, N.C., Feb. 5, 2016. “This ceremony is about winning, it's about the achievements of the 2nd Marine Division, it's about recognizing Marines, and it's about what it took to hang that battle streamer,” Beaudreault said. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Luke Hoogendam)
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“The colors used to be where the line of battle was,”
said Sgt.Maj. Ronald Himsworth (Ret.), the president of the
2nd Marine Division Association. “What the colors represent
today is the pride of that unit, and that those colors must
never fall.”
At the ceremony, a total of 16
streamers were rededicated to the division. The streamers
awarded represent the different conflicts that the division
has fought and won. A veteran from the war that each battle
streamer was earned as well as a Marine currently serving in
the division, escorted each streamer to the colors.
“This ceremony is such a big event because it shows this
generation of Marines who stood before them, and the passion
and enthusiasm that the veterans maintained for the Marine
Corps, which gives the Marines motivation to work hard and
succeed,” said 1st Lt. Michael P. Hutton, a platoon
commander from 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment.
After honoring our veterans, the ceremony continued by
awarding service members currently serving in the 2nd Marine
Division for their outstanding leadership and performance.
The awardees consisted of three Marines and one sailor.
1st Lt. Michael P. Hutton was presented the Tarawa Award for
being an exceptional platoon commander for 2nd Marine Division.
Marine Gunnery Sgt. Matthew G. Cale was presented the Clayton B.
Vogel Award for exceptional leadership as a staff noncommissioned
officer.
Cale also accepted the Follow Me Award on behalf of
2nd Battalion, 2nd Marines for the highest proficiency in
marksmanship.
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Sgt. John J. Cohee, a noncommissioned officer with 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, talks to a veteran who served with the 2nd Marine Division after receiving an award for outstanding leadership at Camp Lejeune, N.C., Feb 5, 2016. The ceremony celebrated the traditions and legacy of the 2nd Marine Division and reinforced the bond between the Marines of wars past and a new generation of Marines (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Luke Hoogendam)
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Sgt. John J. Cohee was presented the Julian C. Smith
Award for exceptional leadership as a noncommissioned
officer. Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Justin M. Mullins was
presented the John Henry Balch award for exceptional
performance as a hospitalman for 2nd Marine Division.
“The reason for this ceremony is to show the history of
the Marine Corps,” Himsworth said. “Whether you served
during combat or peace time, for three years or 32 years, we
are a band of brothers, and we care about one another.”
By U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Luke Hoogendam
Provided
through DVIDS
Copyright 2016
The U.S. Marines
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