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thedrifter
11-13-07, 09:59 AM
Monday, November 12, 2007
A second kind of salute
Marine Corps flag joins the American flag on second anniversary of San Clemente's Marine Monument.

Two years after the Heritage of San Clemente Foundation created a donor-funded city park to honor San Clemente's Camp Pendleton neighbors, Park Semper Fi has emerged as a magnet for military tributes of all kinds.

The Pier Bowl park featuring a bronze statue of a Marine saluting the flag while looking out at the Pacific has become a site for Marines' weddings, memorial services, reenlistment ceremonies, retirement parties, a presentation of the Silver star, patriotic community gatherings and a serene place for families to pray for loved ones risking their lives overseas.

"People bring all sorts of mementos to put around (the monument)," said Wayne Eggleston, founder of the Park Semper Fi project.

Saturday, at a Marine Monument ceremony celebrating the Marine Corps' 232nd birthday, Park Semper Fi became the site for a second kind of salute.

Thanks to a donation from the Exchange Club of San Clemente, the park now has twin flag poles. The Marine Corps flag flies alongside the American flag.

The original plan, Eggleston said, was to just fly the American flag, with the bronze Marine saluting it. "A number of people asked why we didn't have the Marine Corps flag up there," he said. "I made an announcement that we were looking for a donor for it, and within seconds the Exchange Club came through."

Major Gen. Michael R. Lehnert, commander of Marine Corps Installations West, told Saturday's gathering that the Marines do notice and do appreciate San Clemente's warm welcome for its military neighbors.

"We can feel it when we come to San Clemente," he said. The monument is a symbol that welcomes Marines home from tours of duty overseas, honors war casualties and is a reminder that America depends on each generation to produce those who will put their lives on the line to preserve the nation's freedom.

"Thank you to all of the citizens of this great city," Lehnert said. "We know you have our flank."

Eggleston asked San Clemente residents Saturday to seek out Marines and thank them for their service. Meanwhile, Park Semper Fi itself receives accolades through e-mails that people who have visited, have learned about or want to visit send to www.marinemonument.com.

There, supporters can make donations to help sustain the park. In addition, the site is currently offering a painting by local artist Mary McMenamin, "Our Marine Family," as a fundraiser.


Contact the writer: fswegles@ocregister.com

Ellie