U.S. Marines and their guests convened at a formal Mess Night March 16 at Bethlehem’s Best Western hotel ball room for an evening of camaraderie and to honor one of Lehigh Valley’s most senior ranking military officers, U.S. Air Force Major General Gerald Still with the Marine Corps League’s Distinguished Citizen Award.

Still also received a Pennsylvania Senate Commendation from Matthew D. Szuchyt the Deputy Director of Policy and Communication for Pa. State Senator Pat Browne.

“The Golden Rule,” said Still in his keynote remarks. “I learned it from my family - service to others before serving yourself.

“All of us have talents. Determine what talents you have and share with others. Activate your talents.”

Besides a distinguished military career that included the Air Force Distinguished Service Medal, the Air Medal and the Air Force Combat Medal and Vietnam War service, Still has continued his stellar service to the community since his retirement.

A former Eagle Scout, Still has continued in leadership roles in the Boy Scouts of America.

Maj. Gen. Still was born in Bethlehem and is a graduate of Allentown HS and Moravian College.

He lives in Bethlehem with his wife, the former Erika Nimis.

“The beef is fit for human consumption,” decreed United States Marine Corps Col. Robert Daday as he assured the Mess Night attendees that the main dish was not going to poison them. The rite is the opening remark at traditional, formal Marine Corps Mess Nights.

Throughout the evening guests were, in a spirit of fun, “fined” nominal sums for infractions ranging from the obscure - starting to eat before the President of the Mess – to the egregious - having to go the rest room after being seated in the dining room.

George Unangst and Bob Gogel, both of Danielsville, had the duty to collect “fines” imposed on almost everyone for almost anything--the money is given to various organizations supported by the Bethlehem Detachment of the Marine Corp League.

Numerous toasts are traditional with servers bringing more wine as glasses were “recharged.”

“Mr. President! A toast to the President of the United States!”

“Mr. President! A toast to all the Marines who have died in the service of our country!”

“Mr. President: A toast to the men of Company E, Second Battalion, Seventh Marines!”

And there were many others.

“Mr. President! A toast to the Coast Guard!” was one of several honoring the branches of the U. S. military services.