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Dozens of Rutherford County's U.S. Marine Corps members celebrated the 247th birthday of United States Marines at the Forest City Clubhouse recently. Across the US and the World, Marines reflected on November 10, 1775, when the Continental Congress adopted a resolution to create a Marine force composed of two battalions.
Since then Marines have continued to celebrate the Marine's loyalty both to the U.S. Marine Corps and to the United States.
As members of the Marine Corps Chris S. Ebert Detachment #1221 gathered, two members of the Detachment received special recognition for their dedication to the corps.
Marine Alan and wife Marie Marston are life members of the detachment as well as original charter members.
"They have always been involved with this Detachment and continue to do so in its everyday operations," said Sgt. Major Don Barrett, commandant during the past year.
Alan and Marie have held the positions of Commandant, Judge Advocate, Adjutant and have been the recipients of every award the detachment has to offer, Barrett said.
Marie was the Veterans Service Officer for Rutherford County for more than 40 years and although no longer in that official position, she continues helping veterans with advice and guidance to this day, Barrett said.
In their honor, the Marstons will be flying out of the Asheville Regional Airport on April 29, 2023 as members of the Honor Flight to Washington, DC. They will join other veterans from Western North Carolina as they visit war memorials and other monuments.
"It is a great honor to make the flight," Marie and Alan said.
"We really appreciate the Marine Corps League and them giving us this very special opportunity. They are the best. We are just overwhelmed," the Marstons said.
"After 40 years of working with veterans, it is really an honor to me," she said.
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Also receiving special awards at the birthday bash were Bob Melnik, Certificate of Appreciation; Women of the Year, Claudia Conrad; Shirley S Ebert Award, Debra Cavil; Commandant's Award, Linda Cote'; Associate of the Year, Marie Marston; and Marine of the Year, Bill Hesse.
Barrett told the Marines and the honored guests it had been an honor and a privilege to serve as the Corps Commandant during the past year.
"This year has been nothing short of one challenge after another, but we continue to push forward through all the strife and the challenges that are handed to us," Barrett said.
The Detachment's busiest time of the year is always October through December.
"We have never been short of accomplishing any mission given to us, no matter how big or small the task," said Barrett.
"We continue to do those important things within our County such as assisting the Town of Forest City with their various events throughout the year, to helping Veterans in need, and by putting flags out on Main Street or in a cemetery on Memorial Day," Barrett said.
The detachment also recognizes Eagle Scouts at Court of Honor ceremonies.
Recently the detachment took on the responsibility of purchasing and restocking the Veterans Service Office Food Pantry.
He said the League continues to make an impact on Rutherford County with the annual Toy for Tots project. The Marine Corps League has been serving the children of Rutherford County with Toys for Tots since 2013. More than 1,000 children are expected to be served this year through Toys for Tots.
"Whatever the calling or event, we have always been there and for that reason, our County Leaders know they can look to us for support," Barrett said.
The membership has also grown during the past year with Associate Members Peggy Ellis, Sharon Jackson, Robert Kanipe, Michael Ledbetter, Ron Patterson, and Cathy Stanley.
"We are also starting to see younger members joining and would like to continue seeing even more, as they are, the future of this Detachment and I challenge every member to extend an invitation to those they meet," Barrett added.
Barrett introduced the guest speaker, Second lieutenant Paul Harrington, an Army veteran, who spent nine months in Vietnam. He was also in the 82nd Airborne and Special Forces.
Before the birthday meal, Barrett thanked all those who made the event possible.
"Tonight we gather here to celebrate the 247th Birthday of the United States Marine Corps with food, drink and camaraderie. Tonight, we remember our illustrious history through videos, stories, memories and of those that have gone before us. Tonight, we keep their spirits alive.
So, let us raise our glasses, like our brothers did 247 years ago in a bar called Tun Tavern. God Bless the United States of America, and God Bless the United States Marine Corps.
Semper Fidelis!"
