thedrifter
09-11-06, 08:17 AM
Monday, September 11, 2006
9/11 salute to 1/11
San Juan Capistrano will mark its adoption of a Marine battalion today with a cannon ceremony.
By HEATHER IGNATIN
The Orange County Register
SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO – The city today will formally adopt the 1st Battalion, 11th Marine Regiment – marking the occasion with a booming ceremonial cannon salute.
The 7 p.m. ceremony will also include a Marine color guard, a youngster singing the national anthem and a moment of silence for victims of 9/11.
"We want to support those that provide the freedoms we enjoy," said Councilman Wyatt Hart, about the adoption. "They will be part of the extended San Juan Capistrano family."
Adopting the battalion means residents, businesses and faith-based organizations can provide year-round assistance to military personnel and their families. Last month, the city awarded $2,500 in seed money to help an adoption committee launch its nonprofit status.
The program may mean hosting dinners and helping with medical expenses – even helping to repair a water heater at a home. "It could be anything," Hart said.
"This is going above and beyond," said Lt. Col. Phillip W. Boggs, 1/11 commanding officer. "We will continue to nurture this into a great relationship."
The artillery battalion has roughly 600 personnel assigned to it. It has served in World War I, World War II, Korea, Vietnam, Operation Desert Storm and most recently in Iraq, Boggs said.
He said the unit plans to carry the San Juan Capistrano flag around the world. "It's a great city, a small community and a nice one. I think they will do a lot for us," Boggs said.
During the one-hour event, two of the Marine Corps' primary artillery systems will be on display.
The city is one of a handful in Orange County to initiate adoption programs.
"We wanted to let them know they can carry our city flag wherever they go," Hart said.
Orange County adoptions
San Clemente: 2nd Battalion, 4th Marines. Adopted 10 years ago.
Newport Beach: 1st Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment. Adopted 2003.
Huntington Beach: 3rd Battalion, 1st Marines. Adopted March 2005.
Laguna Niguel: 1st Battalion, 4th Marines. Adopted February.
Mission Viejo: Headquarters Battalion, 1st Marine Division. Adopted March.
San Juan Capistrano: 1 st Battalion, 11th Marine Regiment. Adopted today.
CONTACT US: 949-454-7335 or hignatin@ocregister.com
Ellie
9/11 salute to 1/11
San Juan Capistrano will mark its adoption of a Marine battalion today with a cannon ceremony.
By HEATHER IGNATIN
The Orange County Register
SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO – The city today will formally adopt the 1st Battalion, 11th Marine Regiment – marking the occasion with a booming ceremonial cannon salute.
The 7 p.m. ceremony will also include a Marine color guard, a youngster singing the national anthem and a moment of silence for victims of 9/11.
"We want to support those that provide the freedoms we enjoy," said Councilman Wyatt Hart, about the adoption. "They will be part of the extended San Juan Capistrano family."
Adopting the battalion means residents, businesses and faith-based organizations can provide year-round assistance to military personnel and their families. Last month, the city awarded $2,500 in seed money to help an adoption committee launch its nonprofit status.
The program may mean hosting dinners and helping with medical expenses – even helping to repair a water heater at a home. "It could be anything," Hart said.
"This is going above and beyond," said Lt. Col. Phillip W. Boggs, 1/11 commanding officer. "We will continue to nurture this into a great relationship."
The artillery battalion has roughly 600 personnel assigned to it. It has served in World War I, World War II, Korea, Vietnam, Operation Desert Storm and most recently in Iraq, Boggs said.
He said the unit plans to carry the San Juan Capistrano flag around the world. "It's a great city, a small community and a nice one. I think they will do a lot for us," Boggs said.
During the one-hour event, two of the Marine Corps' primary artillery systems will be on display.
The city is one of a handful in Orange County to initiate adoption programs.
"We wanted to let them know they can carry our city flag wherever they go," Hart said.
Orange County adoptions
San Clemente: 2nd Battalion, 4th Marines. Adopted 10 years ago.
Newport Beach: 1st Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment. Adopted 2003.
Huntington Beach: 3rd Battalion, 1st Marines. Adopted March 2005.
Laguna Niguel: 1st Battalion, 4th Marines. Adopted February.
Mission Viejo: Headquarters Battalion, 1st Marine Division. Adopted March.
San Juan Capistrano: 1 st Battalion, 11th Marine Regiment. Adopted today.
CONTACT US: 949-454-7335 or hignatin@ocregister.com
Ellie