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Dear Marine Family,
Happy 82nd Anniversary to the 1st Marine Division!
The Division rededicated its battle colors Wednesday morning at 0800. Our staff and some members attended, and all enjoyed the ceremony, sitting in the shade under a sunny sky, and a bracing 45 degrees.
The 1st Division Band opened with a pre-ceremony concert. Commanding General MajGen Benjamin T. Watson, with SgtMaj Matthew J. Fouss, received the twenty-five streamers, representing decorations presented to the Division since its founding on 1 February 1941. Active duty noncommissioned officers of the Division carried each streamer, to present to General Watson, who fastened it to the Division colors.
Maj Billy C. Hall gave the keynote speech. The ninety-six year old veteran of WWII, Korea, and Vietnam told of his enlistment at age 15 in July 1941. He served as a radio-gunner in a dive bomber squadron on Guadalcanal. He was awarded the Air Medal with three stars, Bronze Star, Infantry Combat Medal, and Korean Service Medal. After Korea, the Army Air Corps trained him to fly helicopters. He served 50 missions in Vietnam with the Army, retiring in 1967, after nearly 30 years of service.
A group of about twenty drove up to Camp Margarita, to tour the new 1st Division CP still under construction. Hard hats and high-vis vests were issued, and they were lead through the 50,000 square foot future home of the Blue Diamond by Harper Construction officials and G-4's MGySgt Espanto. Highlight of the tour was all signing a steel column in what will become the Division Command suite later this summer.
Lunch was at the Camp Margarita mess hall with Division H&S Marines.
Our most sincere appreciation goes out to all the Division for a great day. Special thanks go to Assistant Division Commander BGen James A.Ryans, and Division Protocol Officer 1stLt Grant A.Hubble for putting it all together.
The ceremony was broadcast live on Facebook. Click this link to watch:
https://fb.watch/itl7vm77Xa/
We are still detailing our August gathering in Las Vegas. Let me know if you have suggestions to help make this coming Reunion another fine event.
Hope to see you in Vegas.
Semper Fi
Gerard "Jerry" Corrento
President, 1st Marine Division Association
jcorrento@verizon.net
215-840-2257
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