thedrifter
11-17-06, 06:20 AM
Marines celebrate 231st birthday
Olga Filippova
Posted: 11/17/06
The Reserve Officers' Training Corps of the United States Marines programs of Drexel University, Temple University and University of Pennsylvania celebrated the 231st birthday of the Marines in the Class of '71 lounge at the University of Pennsylvania Palestra Nov. 10.
The event began with a video message from the Commandant of the United States Marine Corps, Michael W. Hagee. He emphasized the outstanding combat and service that the Marines are famous for, and reminded everyone to never forget the love and support that U.S. Marines always receive from their families.
After the video, the celebration moved from the lounge to the basketball court, where the national anthem was played underneath a large United States flag while everyone stood at attention. The honorary guest, Jim Murray, then led the Marines Prayer.
Colonel Glenn Wagner, commanding officer of the ROTC program, spoke of the past and future of the program and complimented the long history of excellence of the ROTC programs at Drexel, Temple, and UPenn. He also spoke of America's involvement all over the world and praised all the men and women that have stepped forward to serve and protect the U.S.
Following his speech, everyone sang the Marines Hymn as a version of "Happy Birthday" to the Marines, and Col. Wagner proceeded to cut the cake with a Mameluk sword. The first piece was presented to Col. Wagner, the second was given to the oldest member present, Dan Staffieri, and the third piece was given to Hannah Feuerstein, a UPenn student and the youngest Marine present.
The Palestra, which now serves as the basketball stadium for the University of Pennsylvania, was once used as a war storage facility.
Ellie
Olga Filippova
Posted: 11/17/06
The Reserve Officers' Training Corps of the United States Marines programs of Drexel University, Temple University and University of Pennsylvania celebrated the 231st birthday of the Marines in the Class of '71 lounge at the University of Pennsylvania Palestra Nov. 10.
The event began with a video message from the Commandant of the United States Marine Corps, Michael W. Hagee. He emphasized the outstanding combat and service that the Marines are famous for, and reminded everyone to never forget the love and support that U.S. Marines always receive from their families.
After the video, the celebration moved from the lounge to the basketball court, where the national anthem was played underneath a large United States flag while everyone stood at attention. The honorary guest, Jim Murray, then led the Marines Prayer.
Colonel Glenn Wagner, commanding officer of the ROTC program, spoke of the past and future of the program and complimented the long history of excellence of the ROTC programs at Drexel, Temple, and UPenn. He also spoke of America's involvement all over the world and praised all the men and women that have stepped forward to serve and protect the U.S.
Following his speech, everyone sang the Marines Hymn as a version of "Happy Birthday" to the Marines, and Col. Wagner proceeded to cut the cake with a Mameluk sword. The first piece was presented to Col. Wagner, the second was given to the oldest member present, Dan Staffieri, and the third piece was given to Hannah Feuerstein, a UPenn student and the youngest Marine present.
The Palestra, which now serves as the basketball stadium for the University of Pennsylvania, was once used as a war storage facility.
Ellie