Marine Corps Birthday celebrated by Gaffney-Oglesby League Detachment 1328 on Nov. 10

: Category: Front Page News Front Page News; Published: 14 November 2015 14 November 2015

Photos and article by Mary Alice Murphy

For the Marine Corps' 240th birthday, members and friends of the corps celebrated with a ceremony at Western New Mexico University's cafeteria.

Master Gunnery Sgt. Dean Bearup served as the master of ceremonies. After the posting of the colors, Christy Gonzales sang the "Star-Spangled Banner," followed by everyone reciting the Pledge of Allegiance and hearing the invocation.

The birthday cake had a position of prominence at the front of the room.

Bearup noted that this year, unlike previous years, the detachment was not allowed to display weapons used in "our wars. If we send individuals into harm's way it is a war, not a conflict or skirmish, but a war." He said the cafeteria was a no-gun environment. WNMU President Joseph Shepard, who attended the banquet, said: "If I'm still here and standing next year, you can display the weapons. I will take the heat."

Bearup said a strange feeling comes over Marines on this day, their birthday, which happened at Tun Tavern 240 years ago.

"On the first Marine Corps birthday I celebrated, I was the youngest Marine in the Philippines, where I were stationed," he said.

Every birthday, Marines have a ceremony that involves cake and the youngest Marine and oldest Marine in attendance. "This year, Leonard Pritikin, at 95, is our oldest Marine. He comes to our meetings. Our featured speaker this evening is Tylon Wilder, seated to my right. Beyond him are Shalana Wilder, Clayton Ellwinger, Sierra and Gabrielle Wilder. Next to them are Danna and Robert Lopez. To my left are George and Mrs. Morrison."

Danna Lopez announced the Gold Star Mothers, who are those who lost a child in service to country. "This is an organization that no one vies to be part of. Don't forget the fathers who also lost their child." Gold Star Mother Mary Cowan received flowers and her husband Tip was also recognized.

Bearup then asked those who had served or are presently serving in the Army to stand, then he recognized those from the Navy, the Army Air Corps, the Air Force, Coast Guard, Merchant Marines and the Border Patrol. He also cited numbers of those who have participated in wars in the Middle East from 9/11 to now, after Vietnam to 9/11, in Vietnam, in Korea, World War II, and first responders. "These are the people who have upheld the honor and security of our country." He then had all Marines in attendance stand and introduce themselves. He also recognized the cooking staff for dinner.

"There is no such thing as a former Marine," Bearup declared.

Pritikin had asked to read a poem, which he said was titled "Love." Pritikin read it and described it as the passionate love of one drunken Marine to another.

Marc MacDonald read Major Gen. John A. Lejeune's message from 1921, when the birthday became an official event.

Detachment 1328 Commandant Ben Collins read this year's message from the Commandant of the Marine Corps, four-star General Robert B. Neller.

In the midst of the ceremonial happenings, those attending had a prime rib or orange-cranberry chicken dinner with the trimmings.

The cake ceremony brought Pritikin, the oldest Marine present, and Jack Farmer, the youngest, who served from 1994-1999, to the front of the room. Collins, using a saber, cut the first piece of cake. Marine Corps League Detachment Chaplain Robert Lopez presented the cake to Pritikin, who took the first bite, then passed it to Farmer.

Wilder, a graduate of Cliff High School, "who served beginning in 1993, and served three deployments to Okinawa, three deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan, said: "I am in the presence of greatness. Your service while you are in the Marine Corps, you do your job with honor, courage and commitment. The three disciplines are physical, mental and character, which is the most important. It is doing the right thing when no one is looking. Your service sets the legacy for what you are doing now."

He commended Bearup for getting the birthday banquet and ball going after he retired in 1994 and came back to Silver City. "It represents the powerful brotherly love we have for one another. In World War I, the Marines took a bridge over the Meuse River. The Captain was told not to attack, but he did anyway and his troops followed him. The brotherhood is unbreakable. When those who serve get out of the service, too many do not take part in service organizations. This is service what we are doing here."

"I am so happy and humbled to come talk to you tonight," Wilder continued. "The way you are here this evening is phenomenal. I will keep it going wherever I am. I appreciate coming here and having my family come here to watch me. Thank you, Semper Fi and God Bless."

Bearup said he simply joined the Marines that were here "when I changed uniform in 1994. They were already a cadre and I just tagged along."

He then told about the POW-MIA table with a setting for one. Bearup said it represents others who have endured or may be enduring the pain of imprisonment, the frailty of one person against those who imprison him. The white tablecloth is the white purity of intentions. The single rose represents the families that keep faith that he will return to them. The red ribbon is that of the unyielding determination of the missing. The lemon represents the bitter fate; the salt, family tears; the Bible, faith; the glass inverted because he cannot toast tonight, the candle light of hope to light the way home; and the empty chair because the POW or MIA is not here.

Detachment 1328 member Frank Donohue read the names of local Marines who have passed away in the past year.

Bearup led the toasts, which are an annual tradition.

After the benediction, the singing of the Marine Hymn, and the retiring of the colors, the music began for the dance.

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Marine Corps Birthday celebrated by Gaffney-Oglesby League Detachment 1328 on Nov. 10

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