thedrifter
11-18-08, 07:53 PM
Toms River Marines Honor 233rd Birthday
By Judy Smestad-Nunn
The Marine Corps turns 233 this year and the Toms River Detachment Marine Corps League held a birthday ball to honor the event at the Elks Lodge last Saturday night.
Commandant Philip P. Ciavarella of Marine Corps League Detachment 796 welcomed the distinguished crowd, which included Mayor Thomas F. Kelaher, who was the guest of honor. Kelaher, whose list of awards, honors and career accomplishments could fill several pages, served in the Marine Corps for 28 years of active and reserve duty, and retired in 1979 at the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.
The ball was somber and rich with tradition, but had moments of levity, thanks to the self-depreciating humor of the narrator for the evening, Vietnam veteran and Judge Advocate Daniel Bradley.
After Bradley's greeting, escorts were positioned by "Era," the commandant and guest of honor were positioned and colors were presented and posted. Bagpipers played several songs, including the Marine Corps Hymn, and invocation was given.
Included in the introductions of past commandants, VIP's in attendance were announced. Former Toms River Mayor Carmine C. Inteso Jr. was at the gathering along with residents John and Teresa Frassetto, who lost their son, Vincent, to a roadside bomb in Iraq about two years ago.
Teresa Frassetto said that this is the first function of its kind they have attended and felt "very proud…we're sad, but we're fine," she said. The Frassettos had two sons in Iraq when Vincent was killed. "John (her son) was there for only three weeks and wanted to go back," she said. He did not return to Iraq, however, after the death of his brother.
After several traditional birthday messages were read, Kelaher was introduced. During his remarks, he reminded those present to keep the tradition alive. "The spirit imbues everyone, the Marines play a big part in keeping the bad guys out…Happy Birthday, Marines," he said.
The oldest and youngest Marines present were introduced, the cake was cut and the band played "Auld Lang Syne." Recognition was given towards fallen comrades, those missing in action, Marines captured, killed in action and recently departed members, after which a bugler played "Taps."
The highlight of the evening may have been when the lights were lowered and Marines of several eras reenacted the Iwo Jima flag raising, while the Marine Hymn was played.
General John A. Lejeune founded the Marine Corps League in 1923, and in addition to preserving traditions, the group raises money for needy veterans and to support a scholarship fund.
Meetings are held every first and third Tuesday at 7 p.m. at VFW Post #6063 Court House Lane, Toms River.
Ellie
By Judy Smestad-Nunn
The Marine Corps turns 233 this year and the Toms River Detachment Marine Corps League held a birthday ball to honor the event at the Elks Lodge last Saturday night.
Commandant Philip P. Ciavarella of Marine Corps League Detachment 796 welcomed the distinguished crowd, which included Mayor Thomas F. Kelaher, who was the guest of honor. Kelaher, whose list of awards, honors and career accomplishments could fill several pages, served in the Marine Corps for 28 years of active and reserve duty, and retired in 1979 at the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.
The ball was somber and rich with tradition, but had moments of levity, thanks to the self-depreciating humor of the narrator for the evening, Vietnam veteran and Judge Advocate Daniel Bradley.
After Bradley's greeting, escorts were positioned by "Era," the commandant and guest of honor were positioned and colors were presented and posted. Bagpipers played several songs, including the Marine Corps Hymn, and invocation was given.
Included in the introductions of past commandants, VIP's in attendance were announced. Former Toms River Mayor Carmine C. Inteso Jr. was at the gathering along with residents John and Teresa Frassetto, who lost their son, Vincent, to a roadside bomb in Iraq about two years ago.
Teresa Frassetto said that this is the first function of its kind they have attended and felt "very proud…we're sad, but we're fine," she said. The Frassettos had two sons in Iraq when Vincent was killed. "John (her son) was there for only three weeks and wanted to go back," she said. He did not return to Iraq, however, after the death of his brother.
After several traditional birthday messages were read, Kelaher was introduced. During his remarks, he reminded those present to keep the tradition alive. "The spirit imbues everyone, the Marines play a big part in keeping the bad guys out…Happy Birthday, Marines," he said.
The oldest and youngest Marines present were introduced, the cake was cut and the band played "Auld Lang Syne." Recognition was given towards fallen comrades, those missing in action, Marines captured, killed in action and recently departed members, after which a bugler played "Taps."
The highlight of the evening may have been when the lights were lowered and Marines of several eras reenacted the Iwo Jima flag raising, while the Marine Hymn was played.
General John A. Lejeune founded the Marine Corps League in 1923, and in addition to preserving traditions, the group raises money for needy veterans and to support a scholarship fund.
Meetings are held every first and third Tuesday at 7 p.m. at VFW Post #6063 Court House Lane, Toms River.
Ellie