Community Corner
Gen. Smedley D. Butler Detachment celebrates the Marine Corps' 238th Birthday
The Marines of the General Smedley D. Butler Detachment of the Marine Corps League headquartered in Newtown Square celebrated the Marine Corps’ 238th Birthday of its founding in Philadelphia by throwing a Grand Ball at the Paxon Hollow Country Club in Marple Township. Over 140 guests attended including Marines from Hotel Company, 2 Battalion, 5th Marines. These Marines were in the area for a reunion of their members who served together in Vietnam. Also in attendance was Colonel Andrew Wilcox, the newly arrived commanding officer of the Villanova/University of Pennsylvania Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps.
The Cake Cutting Ceremony honored, by tradition, the oldest Marine present, Col. George Edelmann (93) and the Youngest Marine present, Commandant of the General Smedley D. Butler Detachment James Herbst.
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The Color Guard comprised of four Young Marines presented the Colors at the opening Ceremony. It was led by Staff Sgt (RET) James Donegan. The Marine Corps Ceremonial Buglers were Lloyd Spangler and Dan Fitzpatrick. They played the Marines Hymn as the Color Guard posted the Colors.
The Guest Speaker was Joe Brooks, the Chief Executive Officer of the Liberty USO. The traditional message from the founder of the Marine Corps League and past Commandant of the United States Marine Corps, John A. Lejeune was read by Marine Bernard McGinley.