thedrifter
10-10-06, 06:35 AM
Tuesday, October 10, 2006
Huntington mayor apologizes to Marine on behalf of city
In a letter, he expresses sadness that a member of the city's adopted unit was spat on during a car wash.
By DAVID LETTIS
THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
HUNTINGTON BEACH – Mayor Dave Sullivan has written a personal letter of apology to a Marine from the 3rd Battalion 1st Marines regiment who was spat on by someone in a passing car while participating in a fundraising car wash.
"I want to express our sadness and disgust that you had to suffer the horrendous indignity of being spat on in our city," Sullivan said in his letter about the Sept. 23 incident. "No one deserves this, but especially not you who has given so much for this country."
Huntington Beach has adopted the "3/1 Marines" from Camp Pendleton, which means residents raise funds to help the Marines and their families.
Officials from Camp Pendleton would not comment on the incident, and the name of the Marine is still unknown.
The car wash at Pacific Coast Highway and Warner Avenue was sponsored by the Marines, who wore their uniforms and held signs. Some people stopped just to hand out donations.
One driver, though, slowed down, rolled down his window and spat on one of the Marines, witnesses said. The driver has not been identified, but was described as being in his 30s.
After chastising the "cowardly act" at an Oct. 2 City Council meeting, Sullivan came close to tears several times during an impromptu speech.
"Everyone was universally enraged," the mayor said after the meeting. "Even the people who are against the war."
The Marines raised about $6,500 from the car wash, officials said. The money will go for an upcoming Marine Corps Birthday Ball.
Councilman Gil Coerper said he plans to deliver Sullivan's letter once the Marine is identified.
CONTACT US: 714-445-6696 or dlettis@ocregister.com
Ellie
Huntington mayor apologizes to Marine on behalf of city
In a letter, he expresses sadness that a member of the city's adopted unit was spat on during a car wash.
By DAVID LETTIS
THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
HUNTINGTON BEACH – Mayor Dave Sullivan has written a personal letter of apology to a Marine from the 3rd Battalion 1st Marines regiment who was spat on by someone in a passing car while participating in a fundraising car wash.
"I want to express our sadness and disgust that you had to suffer the horrendous indignity of being spat on in our city," Sullivan said in his letter about the Sept. 23 incident. "No one deserves this, but especially not you who has given so much for this country."
Huntington Beach has adopted the "3/1 Marines" from Camp Pendleton, which means residents raise funds to help the Marines and their families.
Officials from Camp Pendleton would not comment on the incident, and the name of the Marine is still unknown.
The car wash at Pacific Coast Highway and Warner Avenue was sponsored by the Marines, who wore their uniforms and held signs. Some people stopped just to hand out donations.
One driver, though, slowed down, rolled down his window and spat on one of the Marines, witnesses said. The driver has not been identified, but was described as being in his 30s.
After chastising the "cowardly act" at an Oct. 2 City Council meeting, Sullivan came close to tears several times during an impromptu speech.
"Everyone was universally enraged," the mayor said after the meeting. "Even the people who are against the war."
The Marines raised about $6,500 from the car wash, officials said. The money will go for an upcoming Marine Corps Birthday Ball.
Councilman Gil Coerper said he plans to deliver Sullivan's letter once the Marine is identified.
CONTACT US: 714-445-6696 or dlettis@ocregister.com
Ellie