From the Commandant
On November 10, a small group assembled at the Natick Elks to celebrate the Marine Corps Birthday. Following tradition, the statement of General Lejeune was read, followed by the message from the current Commandant. The cake was cut and served to the oldest Marine present, who then served it to the youngest Marine present. We have about a year to plan for next year with the hope that we can arrange a celebration that is more fitting to the day.
“The Few, the Proud, the Marines” has been a visible advertising slogan for the Marine Corps for a number of years. As a detachment we are Marines, we are proud, but we are becoming fewer. This is a challenge that many veterans’ organizations are facing. We continue to look for ways to reach out to the latest generations of Marines to encourage them to join and we will continue that effort. Another avenue that is available is to focus on Associate Members.
To be an Associate Member, one need not have served in the Marine Corps or as a Corpsman or Chaplain. These individuals who have some affinity for the values and activities of the Marine Corps League are able to participate fully, with the exception that they cannot vote or hold elected office. In some detachments, Associate Members are very active in organizing events and activities, as well as holding appointed roles. We all have friends, neighbors, relatives and others whom we could contact to suggest Associate Membership. This is an outstanding opportunity for the detachment to expand its reach and for interested individuals to participate in the numerous charitable outreach activities and events that the detachment runs, as well as adding other activities in which they have interest. Please give thought to ways to make this opportunity known to others who might have interest.
We have begun an effort to reach out to veterans who are confined to nursing homes and other facilities. Tom Foley will take the lead on this effort and has begun to contact area facilities. Our experience to date with these visits has been very rewarding, as much for those who are doing the visit as for the veteran who is being visited. More information will be available as soon as possible. Hopefully, we will be able to get some “boots on the ground” behind this effort.
With the Thanksgiving Holiday here, I want to takethe opportunity to express gratitude on behalf of the detachment for those members who attend all ofthe meetings and offer their insights and votes.I am grateful for those members and others who are able and willing to invest the time and energy to make our activities successful. I am thankful for the opportunities that I have had to share stories and experiences with other Marines and Corpsmen. With members from World War II and beyond, we have a wealth of memories and experiences that are worth sharing.
November Meeting Notes
The meeting was
convened at 7:30 PM on November 17 as scheduled. There were 15 members in attendance. Minutes of the last meeting were
accepted. Roll call of officers was conducted
with all in attendance except the Junior Vice Commandant. The Paymaster report was read and
accepted. The financial condition of the
detachment continues to be good. The
normal order of business was conducted.
MCL Rose Program
Marines Warren Griffin,
Mac MacEntegart, and Jim Hastings participated in offering roses at local
merchants. Over $1400 was collected and
conveyed to the Paymaster. The time and
effort put in by these Marines is appreciated.
All members are encouraged to participate in upcoming rose drives as it
is a productive and visible fundraising activity.
Toys For Tots
Coordinator Richard
Douglas reported on the continuing developments in delivery of pods and
supplies. Pods are in place in Natick
and Holliston. Posters and boxes were
not yet received at the time of the meeting but have since been received. Discussion was held about how to provide
coverage for Marlborough, an area that was previously covered by a member who
passed away during the year. It is
desirable to provide a list of donation to Jim Hastings so that we can have a
master list to insure future coverage.
The detachment will be at the Natick Christmas Tree Lighting on November
29 from 2:00 to 5:00. Members are
encouraged to come to help with TFT collections. As needs arise to transport large items or
quantities, we will put out a call for help.
We are hoping for another successful toy drive this year.
Members Sick and in
Distress
A request was made
for volunteers to provide a firing detail for the funeral of long time member
James Kidd, who
passed away recently. It was unclear
whether the Marine Corps would be able to provide an honor detail. The firing detail and a bugler were assembled
for the burial in Acton.
Nursing Home/Assisted
Living Visitation
A suggestion was
made that the detachment establish an outreach program to provide visitation
for veterans who are confined to various types of facilities. Marine Tom Foley volunteered to lead this
effort and will begin contacting local nursing homes and other facilities. Allocation of funds to provide refreshments
and food for these visits was voted on and approved. Information on scheduled visits will be
publicized as soon as possible.
Marine Corps Birthday
A cake cutting
ceremony was held at the Natick Elks on November 10. Richard Douglas arranged for a cake and
attendees were able to share memories and stories. There was discussion about ways to increase
attendance and improve this event. All ideas and participants are welcomed.
Donations:
We received a thank
you letter for a donation to purchase IPODS for wounded veterans. A motion was made and approved to donate to
the planned Gold Star Family Memorial that is slated to be built in Fall River.
December Meeting
The December meeting
is scheduled for 15 December at 7:30.
Food will be served to observe the holidays. Please join us and feel free to bring
potential members or Associate Members.