"Oldest Post" honors heroes for Marine Corps Birthday
Catherine
ndocument
"Oldest Post" honors heroes for Marine Corps Birthday
Submitted by: Marine Barracks 8th & I
Story Identification #: 20051114163037
Story by Cpl. David Revere
MARINE BARRACKS WASHINGTON, Washington DC (Nov. 14, 2005) -- Marines from 8th and I,
the Corps’ “Oldest Post,” recognized its mightiest heroes for the 230th birthday of
the Marine Corps, Nov. 10.
The day’s events began by honoring every past commandant laid to rest in Arlington
National Cemetery as well as those at Oak Hill and Congressional cemeteries. Marine
Barracks officers placed wreaths over the gravestones with the assistance of Bravo
Company Body Bearers, while buglers from the United States Marine Drum and Bugle
Corps played Taps.
The commemoration and remembrance continued with a wreath-laying ceremony at the
Marine Corps War Memorial honoring more than two centuries of war-fighting valor.
Current Construction on the monument did not dampen spirits as Gen. Charles C.
Krulak, the 31st commandant, addressed a packed viewing box. “On this day, our
hearts should soar to be Marines,” said Krulak, who laid a wreath at the foot of the
monument along with Gen. Michael W. Hagee, the Commandant of the Marine Corps.
The celebration culminated with the first-day issue stamp dedication ceremony held at
the Barracks in conjunction with the United States Postal Service. The commandant
and John E. Potter, Postmaster General of the postal service, unveiled the
Distinguished Marines commemorative 37-cent U.S. postage stamps depicting legendary
Marines Daniel Daly, John Basilone, John A. Lejeune and Lewis "Chesty" Puller. Family
members of the heroes were present at the ceremony which also included a performance
by country music singer Aaron Tippin.
While memorable performances are part of the ceremonial mission of the Barracks,
these leathernecks understand the Marines they honor are anything but forgettable.
“Our heroes are one of the hallmarks of our Marine Corps,” said Private First Class
Nicholas Tandy, who performed in the stamp dedication ceremony as a soprano bugler.
“We’ll always be fighting, and we’ll continue to make legends.”
As long as Marines keep pushing forward with uncommon valor to fight this nation’s
battles, legends will continue to be born, according to Capt. John. V. Price-Van
Cleave, who marched during the Marine Corps wreath-laying ceremony as 1st platoon
commander, Bravo Co.
“There were a lot of events going on in the world during the time that men like
Chesty Puller and John Basilone served,” said Price-Van Cleave. “We are in another
era of conflict, and Marines will continue to rise up.”
Marines give their nation heroes and the ceremonies to honor them, but one question
continually remains. Who will rise up and become the next warrior honored at the
“Oldest Post” of the Corps?
Photos included with story:
Cpl. David Rakes, Bravo Co. body bearer, salutes the grave of Lt. Gen. John A.
Lejuene, 13th Commandant of the Marine Corps, during a wreath laying ceremony at
Arlington National Cemetary, Nov. 10. Photo by: Cpl. David Revere
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gen. Charles C. Krulak, 31st Commandant of the Marine Corps, and General Michael W.
Hagee, current commandant, observe honors during the wreath-laying ceremony at the
Marine Corps War Memorial, Nov. 10. Photo by: Lance Cpl. Jordan M. Welner
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Country music singer Aaron Tippin performs during the Marine Corps stamp dedication
ceremony held at Marine Barracks Washington, Nov. 10. Photo by: Cpl. David Revere