Marine Corps Detachment No. 284, Bethlehem and Lehigh Valley Detachment No. 296 met Nov. 10 to celebrate the 250th birthday of the United States Marine Corps at the Marine Corps monument at Cedar Beach Park, 24th and Hamilton streets, Allentown.
The Marine Corps was founded in Philadelphia’s Tun Tavern Nov. 10, 1775.
The Continental Congress commissioned Samuel Nicholas to raise two battalions of Marines as the British Navy had already established the value of marines on their war ships.
As is the usual case this time of year, it was a cool and blustery day at the monument, but that did not dim the enthusiasm of the former and retired Marines present.
Marine Carl Schroeder, commandant, Bethlehem Detachment No. 284 welcomed those attending the celebration.
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by retired USMC Master Sgt. Roz Schroeder.
Marine William Stoudt, Lehigh Valley Detachment No. 296 read General Lejeune’s birthday message.
The Marine Corps League’s National Commandant’s birthday message was read by Marine Glenn Rader, commandant, Bethlehem Detachment No. 284.
The color guard was from Lehigh Valley Detachment No. 296.
USMC Captain Ralph Brodt was the bugler for the event,
Brodt played the Marine’s Hymn as the gathered Marines sang along.
Joe Malia, chaplain, Lehigh Valley Detachment No. 296 provided the closing prayer.
PRESS PHOTOS BY LOU WHEELANDMembers of the Marine Corp Detachment, Lehigh Valley No. 296, Ralph Brodt, III, captain; Bob Marshall, hospitalman 2nd class; Milton Solares, corporal; Terry Keiser, gunnery sergeant and George Borman, sergeant, provide the honor guard for the celebration of the 250th birthday of the United States Marine Corps at the Marine Corps Monument, Cedar Beach Park, Allentown, Nov. 10.
Marine William Stoudt, Lehigh Valley Detachment No. 296, reads the original birthday greeting from Gen. John Lejeune, 13th commandant of the Marine Corps from 1920-1929 during the celebration.
Marine Ralph Gardner reads a birthday message from the current commandant of the Marine Corps, Eric Smith, during the celebration of the 250th birthday of the United States Marine Corp.
Marine Glenn Rader, commandant, Bethlehem Detachment No. 284, reads the Marine Corps birthday message from the Marine Corps League’s commandant at the celebration.
Retired Marine Corps Lt. Gen. Richard Kramich addresses marines and visitors gathered at the celebration of the 250th birthday of the United States Marine Corps.
Retired Marine Col. Jim Anthony addresses the marines and visitors gathered at the celebration.
Former Marine Cpl. Leo Fernandez is effusive in his support for his fellow Marines.
Former Marine Capt. Ralph Brodt, III, plays the Marine’s Hymn during the celebration of the 250th Birthday of the United States Marine Corps. Attending Marines and visitors joined in singing the “Halls of Montezuma.”
Marine Joe Malia, chaplain, Lehigh Valley Detachment No. 296, closes the birthday celebration with a prayer.
