thedrifter
10-03-03, 08:35 PM
Elite WWII unit storms Depot for annual reunion
Submitted by: MCRD San Diego
Story Identification Number: 200310318266
Story by Sgt. L. F. Langston
MARINE CORPS RECRUIT DEPOT SAN DIEGO, Calif.(October 3, 2003) -- The Marine Raiders of World War II, one of the Corps' most celebrated and legendary units held their annual reunion aboard the Depot Sept. 19.
For more than 40 years the Raiders have been getting together and sharing memories.
The first reunion with Raiders from across America was in Santa Monica, Calif. around 1961 or 1962, according to Joe McNamara, Company K, 3rd Marine Raider Battalion.
"This is an opportunity to meet loyal friends and combat comrades. These are the places we discuss things we wouldn't discuss with our families," said Chuck Meacham, president, United States Marine Raider Association , who was in Co. K, 3rd Marine Raider Battalion.
During their visit, the Raiders and their family members attended a graduation ceremony for Co. F.
"It was uplifting to see well trained young Marines. It gave an overwhelming feeling to us old timers," said Meacham.
The Raiders spent time with Depot Marines as they dined at Duncan Hall, followed by a visit to the Command Museum where battle hardened memories were rekindled.
The Depot visit was highlighted with a memorial service at the Depot Chapel.
The chapel was filled to capacity as Raiders and their family members paid their respects to their fallen comrades. During the ceremony, a bell was rung for each deceased Raider.
Some Depot Marines were moved by the Raiders' presence.
"The whole day I walked in awe. As far as I'm concerned, (Raiders) are the Marine Corps," said Sgt. Duncan Hurst, drill instructor, Co. L, 3rd Bn., who helped escort the Raiders.
The Raiders also took time to catch up on old times.
They gathered at the Hospitality Room at the Red Lion Hanalei Hotel after their Depot visit to continue sharing memories and stories of WWII.
"I had two months training before the war, said McNamara. "On Nov. 1, 1943, I was sent in as a replacement to Bougainville."
"I lied about my age to get in. I had my sixteenth birthday in boot camp," said Emmitt D. Hays, Co. K, 3rd Marine Raider Bn.
The following night, the Raider Association held a banquet. It was a night filled with presentations and awards. The guest speaker was Col. Robert J. Coates, commander, Marine Corps Detachment One, U.S. Special Operations Command. He was asked to speak because Marine Corps SOCOM Detachment One is a special operations unit like the Raiders.
"We do have a lot in common. We all have hard feet, we carry a pack, and we know our weapons. And as the Raiders know and we know, second place is last place," Coates said. "The Marine Corps is second to none."
http://www.usmc.mil/marinelink/image1.nsf/Lookup/2003103182813/$file/General-cane_lr.jpg
Retired Brig. Gen. Bill Flake makes his way to the stage to thank Marine Band San Diego for their performance during the Raiders' Reunion.
Photo by: Lance Cpl. Jess Levens
http://www.usmc.mil/marinelink/image1.nsf/Lookup/2003103191613/$file/Raiders-teaser-good_lr.jpg
Marine Raiders logo.
Photo by: Lance Cpl. Jess Levens
http://www.usmc.mil/marinelink/mcn2000.nsf/main5/F119D9C36351C93F85256DB4007B3D46?opendocument
Sempers,
Roger
:marine:
Submitted by: MCRD San Diego
Story Identification Number: 200310318266
Story by Sgt. L. F. Langston
MARINE CORPS RECRUIT DEPOT SAN DIEGO, Calif.(October 3, 2003) -- The Marine Raiders of World War II, one of the Corps' most celebrated and legendary units held their annual reunion aboard the Depot Sept. 19.
For more than 40 years the Raiders have been getting together and sharing memories.
The first reunion with Raiders from across America was in Santa Monica, Calif. around 1961 or 1962, according to Joe McNamara, Company K, 3rd Marine Raider Battalion.
"This is an opportunity to meet loyal friends and combat comrades. These are the places we discuss things we wouldn't discuss with our families," said Chuck Meacham, president, United States Marine Raider Association , who was in Co. K, 3rd Marine Raider Battalion.
During their visit, the Raiders and their family members attended a graduation ceremony for Co. F.
"It was uplifting to see well trained young Marines. It gave an overwhelming feeling to us old timers," said Meacham.
The Raiders spent time with Depot Marines as they dined at Duncan Hall, followed by a visit to the Command Museum where battle hardened memories were rekindled.
The Depot visit was highlighted with a memorial service at the Depot Chapel.
The chapel was filled to capacity as Raiders and their family members paid their respects to their fallen comrades. During the ceremony, a bell was rung for each deceased Raider.
Some Depot Marines were moved by the Raiders' presence.
"The whole day I walked in awe. As far as I'm concerned, (Raiders) are the Marine Corps," said Sgt. Duncan Hurst, drill instructor, Co. L, 3rd Bn., who helped escort the Raiders.
The Raiders also took time to catch up on old times.
They gathered at the Hospitality Room at the Red Lion Hanalei Hotel after their Depot visit to continue sharing memories and stories of WWII.
"I had two months training before the war, said McNamara. "On Nov. 1, 1943, I was sent in as a replacement to Bougainville."
"I lied about my age to get in. I had my sixteenth birthday in boot camp," said Emmitt D. Hays, Co. K, 3rd Marine Raider Bn.
The following night, the Raider Association held a banquet. It was a night filled with presentations and awards. The guest speaker was Col. Robert J. Coates, commander, Marine Corps Detachment One, U.S. Special Operations Command. He was asked to speak because Marine Corps SOCOM Detachment One is a special operations unit like the Raiders.
"We do have a lot in common. We all have hard feet, we carry a pack, and we know our weapons. And as the Raiders know and we know, second place is last place," Coates said. "The Marine Corps is second to none."
http://www.usmc.mil/marinelink/image1.nsf/Lookup/2003103182813/$file/General-cane_lr.jpg
Retired Brig. Gen. Bill Flake makes his way to the stage to thank Marine Band San Diego for their performance during the Raiders' Reunion.
Photo by: Lance Cpl. Jess Levens
http://www.usmc.mil/marinelink/image1.nsf/Lookup/2003103191613/$file/Raiders-teaser-good_lr.jpg
Marine Raiders logo.
Photo by: Lance Cpl. Jess Levens
http://www.usmc.mil/marinelink/mcn2000.nsf/main5/F119D9C36351C93F85256DB4007B3D46?opendocument
Sempers,
Roger
:marine: