From the Leadership Team:
We are back fully into the swing of things with a full plate of activities and plans. The Marine Cors Birthday observation was held on 10 November at the Framingham Elks. With advanced planning from Junior Vice Commandant Jerry Blanchette, the attending members and guests were called to order to observe the traditional sequence of events. Following the playing of the National Anthem and the Marine Corps Hymn, a moment of silence to reflect on those who gave all in their service was held. The proclamations of General LeJeune and General Nelles were read just prior to the cutting of the cake, which was provided by Mac MacEntegart. Paymaster Bill Costello, the oldest Marine present, cut the first piece of cake and served it to the youngest, a recent enlistee who will report to Parris Island in August. This sequence symbolizes the passing on of the experience and knowledge of the old Corps to the new Corps. The second piece was cut by the youngest Marine and served to Bill Costello to symbolize the respect of his predecessors and acknowledgement of their service. Following these traditional actions, those in attendance continued with the meal and camaraderie.Detachment Commandant Hastings was in Washington, DC to participate in the observations for Veteran's Day and the Marine Corps Birthday. A Viet Nam veteran who was severely wounded himself, Jim was invited to participate in the reading of the 58, 318 names of those service members who lost their lives in the Viet Nam war. The reading of these names to 65 hours. As a poignant reminder of his own service and the sacrifices that many made during that war, one of the names on the list read by Jim was that of Wayne John Spare. This Marine was killed in same action during which Jim was wounded and died of top of Jim while they were being medevaced. That death occurred just 11 days before Wayne John Spare was due to rotate home. It behooves us as a nation to never forget those who suffer injury and death while serving and to support them regardless of the prevailing views of the conflict in which they are called.
November Meeting Notes:
Commandant Hastings convened the meeting in the proper format at 1930 on 21 November with 11 members in attendance. The Chaplain and the Junior Vice Commandant were excused. Motion was made and seconded to accept the Paymaster's report as published. There were not further reports from officers.Correspondence was received from Rick Seguin of the New Bedford Detachment to outline details of the Mass MCL Department Convention, scheduled for 30 May to 3 Jun. A full slate of activities and tours is planned. Members are encouraged to plan on attending.
There was discussion of the Metrowest Detachment hosting the 2019 convention. Jim Hastings, Warren Griffin, and Dave Gentes agreed to participate in a committee to prepare a proposal to present at the sate meeting on 30 January.
Toys for Tots is fully geared up. Pods are in place and supplies are available as needed. The Natick tree lighting ceremony will be on Sunday, 26 November. Detachment members will be there to facilitate toy collection and donation receipt. Pods will be emptied as the near the halfway full point and there is still discussion of the format for locking them. The Marlboro Fire Department will be active in managing collections for that area.
The December meeting was discussed. A presentation will be made to area Eagle Scouts and they have been invited to attend with their families. A group of younger Marines will be invited to discuss ways to get them involved with the detachment, even informally. Menu for the collation at that meeting was discussed.
With all business and discussion being completed, the meeting was adjourned at 1930. The detachment wishes all members and supported a Happy Thanksgiving.