233rd Marine Corps Birthday Celebration

I am greeted at the door of our American Legion, by a prestine set of dress blues. Gabe Wakanabo,Adjutant, the North Country's Marine Corp Detachment # 585, is wearing the uniform of the day. It is the annual Marine Corp Birthday. The only branch of America's military that celebrates the inauguration of the Corp.

The history and traditions are a vital part of being a Marine. This is one of the reasons, they celebrate the birth of this assemblage of men and women, known as the Marine Corp.

And so begins, this year's Birthday Celebration in Bemidji, Minnesota. The posting of the Colors brings us to our feet. The flags stand on each side of the Head Table. We wait solemnly as a white candle is lit. It rests on a small table set for one, it's lone place flanked by a Bible and flag for the POWs and MIA's. A quiet reminder for fallen and missing Marines, and that we are incomplete without them. It's a quiet solemn moment. Next special recognition is given to the members of the Head Table.Monty Town, paymaster, Gabe Wakanabo, Wayne LaDuke, Commandant, Dean Henny, guest speaker and his mother Martha Henny. A thank you for Lawrence Houg and the others who have worked to raise Bemidji's Freedom Fighter's Memorial, reminds us of the continued progress of this special memorial, newly erected in our town.

Fred Appl, a former Commandant, reads this year's message from the 13th Commandant, General John A. Lejuene. "On November 10, 1775 a Corps of Marines was created by a resolution of the Continental Congress. Since that date many thousands of men have borne the name Marine. In memory of them it is fitting that we who are Marines should commemorate the birthday of our Corps by calling to mind the glories of its long and illustrious history. The record of our Corps is one which will bear comparison with that of the famous military organization in the world's history. During 90 of the 146 years of it's existence the Marine Corp has been in action against the Nation's foes. From the Battle of Trenton to the Argonne, Marines have won foremost honors in war and in the long era of tranquility at home, generation after generation of Marines have grown gray in war in both hemispheres and in every corner of the seven seas that our country and it's citizens might enjoy peace and security. In every battle and skirmish since the birth of our Corps, Marines have acquitted themselves with the greatest distinction, winning new honor on each occasion until the term, "Marine" has come to signify all that is highest in military efficiency and soldierly virtue.

This high name of distinction and soldierly repute we who are Marines today have received from those who preceded us in the Corps. With it we also received from them who preceded us in the Corps. With it we also received from them the eternal spirit which has animated our Corps from generation to generation and has been the distinguishing mark of the Marines in every age. So long as that spirit continues to flourish Marines will be found equal to every emergency, in the future as they have been in the past, and the men of our Nation will regard us worthy successors to the long line of illustrious men who have served as "Soldiers of the Sea" since the founding of the Corps."

Reverend Gary Danielson follows the reading with the Chaplin's blessing for our families, country and dinner.

Besides, good friends, family and conversation, what is a birthday without the Cake? Even cake cutting has a special significance. A show of hands finds this detachment's youngest and oldest Marine. Red Offendahl, our 92 year young Marine and Josh Spaulding the 26 year old Marine came forward to cut the cake. Using a ceremonial sword the first piece is cut by the oldest man. When given to the youngest, it signifies the need for the youth to carry on the traditions of the Corp. The second piece, cut by the youngest and given to the oldest says, thank you, we've got it and we'll carry on. A simple, but meaningful gesture.

This evening's guest speaker, is Dean Henny. He is filmmaker and Marine Corp researcher. His film, Iwo Jima, 50 Years of Memories, has been well received and called a "great film", by Stephan Ambrose, the author of "A Band of Brothers." Dean was a Marine Captain for many years and has met and interviewed many important Marines. "Marines are a very adaptable beast," he says. Their history of cross training helps each segment of the Corp, fully understand and appreciate each other with a singular focus on the Rifleman. He reminded us of the importance of the individual to make the whole. Dean related the struggle to develop efficient amphibious landing techniques and procedures and how failing to follow through with the landing can cause severe losses, like Gallipoli, where the British made the initial assault and then failed to push forward.

He spoke of Iron Man Lee, a hard gunnery sergeant from the 30's. Tough as they come, he knew all the tricks, to advance and keep as safe as he could. Lee was training men how to patrol in the dark. He paid local children to gather fireflies in little bottles. He tied these to the backs of the soldiers, so they could follow each other in the deep night of the jungle trails. Again Dean reminds us of this adaptable Marine. The Marines truly have a long history and tradition. This pride in the past is part of what make a Marine for now and forever.

Before the closing words, and retiring the colors, Dean imparts us with the most meaningful words. "We're all a part of the ongoing Quilt that means Marines. Each man, can say..."I was a part of something bigger than me, good or bad times. Nobody has anything like the Corp!"

This party is over, we salute the Corp and sing the Marine Corp Hymn. From the Halls of Montezuma, to the shore of Tripoli...My father was and is, still a Marine. I am the daughter of that Marine. I have not had to fight in battle, lost comrades in arms, but in my very small way, I feel a part of the

heritage that is Marines.

Dean Henny spoke this feeling the best. "When you join the Marines, you're part of this history. You are connected to the Legacy of the Marine Corp."

Hoo Rah!