“A Merry Xmas to all the men of the American Army and Navy, at home and abroad, on sea and shore--to officers and enlisted men, regulars, national guards, national army, sailors, marines, all alike. They are the Americans of whom this Xmas all other Americans have most cause to feel proud."

--------------- --postcard written by Theodore Roosevelt, 1917

Holiday Greetings from

Commandant

General Eric M. Smith

Click to view the Commandant's message.

Dear Marine Family,

Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas from the Commandant, and from me.

On 15 November, First Marine Division lowered the colors for the last time at the White House, Division CP since 1943. 16 November saw morning colors at the new Division CP aboard Camp Margarita. Photos below.

Our HQ is settling into new quarters in Building 33421, aboard Camp Margarita. Southern California Chapter had their first meeting there on 14 December, with a cookout overlooking MCAS operations across the valley.

Division has put in a request to build a ramp and stair railings to better accommodate us in our new building.

Please check out our new website if you have not already:

www.https://1stmarinedivisionassociation.org

Hoping all of you, and your loved ones, enjoy a joyous end of the year, and a very Happy New Year in 2024. Stay safe.

God bless the United States Marine Corps.

Semper Fi

William S. Godfrey

President, 1st Marine Division Association

wsgsr9454@aol.com

(505)554-9635

First Division observed evening colors for the last time at the White House on 15 November. Morning colors on rose on 16 November in front of the new Division CP aboard Camp Margarita.

Photos by CPL Brayden Daniel, 1st Marine Division

More photos and details at

https://www.dvidshub.net/image/8136114/1st-mardiv-lowers-colors-historic-headquarters-raises-colors-new-command-post

Division Anniversary Commemoration

1st Marine Division's 1 Feb 1941 founding anniversary is celebrated each year. No formal plans have yet been announced for the 2024 commemoration.

Division told us last year that we can expect the traditional unit tours and banquet only on the big five-year anniversaries. This next will be the 83rd, so we will celebrate big in 2026.

We hope to able to invite you to attend Morning Colors and Rededication Ceremony on 1 February 2024. Watch here and on our new website for that announcement.

New Members and Taps Reports will resume with our next edition.

Headquarters Office (760) 763-3268

President William S. Godfrey's email: wsgr9454@aol.com

Please visit our website: www.1stMarineDivisionAssociation.org

Mailing address:

First Marine Division Association

P.O. Box 9000, Box # 902

Oceanside CA 92051

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Semper Fidelis