July is considered by many Marines as the second most
important month in the year. (November
10th, of course, remains number one.) It
is during the month of July when many parades and other types of celebration
will take place in remembrance of the signing of the Declaration of
Independence.
Our Detachment has been asked to be the lead nit (once
again) in the upcoming Washington City Parade.
This is indeed an honor. I trust
that our members will turn out in increased numbers to participate. Remember, even if you do not (at this time)
have the ceremonial uniform consisting of white shirt and blue trousers, you
are strongly encouraged to participate wearing the red shirt and black
trousers. For those who find walking a
mile or more a challenge, we have arranged transportation (and currently have
three takers - there is room for more).
Let the Sgt-at-Arms (Larry Mineer) know as soon as possible of your
availability to participate in the parade.
Last month, Marines were asked to provide an Honor Guard for
World War II Veterans who were meeting early Monday morning at the La Quinta
Inn. These WWII Veterans were
participating in the "Honor Flight" Program. Eight (8) Marines gathered at 0500 to provide
an honor guard as the Veterans boarded their bus taking them to Las Vegas to
catch the famous "Honor Flight."
Their destination was Washington, D. C. to view the World War II
monuments. The Veterans returned
Wednesday evening where they were met by all local Veteran Organizations, as
well as, Mayor John Pike and City Council Member Michele Randall. Keep eating your Wheaties Marines -- when
they run out of WWII Veterans "they" are already talking of
continuing the Program by selecting Korea War Veterans.
During the first week of last month I attended the Annual
Convention for the Rocky Mountain Division and Department of Utah. The Convention covered two days and provided
all Detachment Commandants an opportunity to learn what the other individual
detachments are doing, as well as what problems they are experiencing. Biggest problem is membership retention and
attendance at meetings. (Who would have
thought that?) When it became my turn to
discuss the Dixie Detachment, I was very pleased to have the opportunity to
report on the numerous activities we have participated in during the past
year. Parades, honor guards, community
activities, Toys For Tots, Devil Pups, Eagle Scout Awards, as well as, always
being available to honor fallen Marines by providing funeral details, whether
just at the funeral home or at a graveside and with or without rifles. Elections were held and Joy Chamberlin was
selected to serve as the Utah Department Commandant.
The National Commandant, Jim Tuohy, made a letter available
for all in attendance requesting that all of their detachment members read it.
This letter now appears in our Marine Corps Blog.
