My family and I were on a cross country vacation in June of this year. The trip included a visit with my brothers outside Buffalo, New York. It was at this time that a wake for a 21 year old fallen Marine was highly publicized in the Tonawanda News paper. The Marine was from North Tonawanda, New York. As a Marine veteran circa 1960-64, I had the feeling that I had to pay my respects to this Marine. The parking lot was lined with outriders standing at parade rest with American flags held at their positions. The Tonawanda police were there and opened the door to the funeral home as I entered. I paid my respects and said a prayer before the casket. I then turned to the Marine's mother and step father to convey my condolences. I mentioned to them that I was on vacation from Washington state and just had to be here for them. The mom hugged me and thanked me for being there.
Category: Events and Memorials
Toys For Tots Golf Outing
Sgt Grit
I thought I'd send you a picture of some of the ladies from Hooters Of Rockford, IL who helped raise money for T4T on 24 July. This year marked the 7th consecutive year our friends at Hooters have lent a hand in the quest to make a brighter Christmas for those less fortunate.
CFD Toys 4 Tots
Sgt
Well another Cheyenne Frontier days has come and gone.
Saturday was our last parade. I Know there are a heck of a lot more Marines in town as I talked to 20 plus on the sidelines!
Choo Choo
Sgt of Marines (nla)
1968-1974 (still serving?)
RVN 70-71
Remembering a Marine
I noticed this in the local newspaper the other day We miss and remember the all. God Bless them all.
Semper Fi
Sgt Grit
Lt. Presely Obannon
Sgt. Grit
While driving through Franfort Kentucky i saw a historical marker that said Daniel Boones grave is there in the local cemetary so i stopped to see it,it also had union and confederate grave sites. While looking through the area i spotted the sign with the Marine Corps emblem and walked over to see who was buried there and saw the grave site of Lt. Presley Obannon and have enclosed two photos i took that day. I am passing them on to you so all the Marines that receive your letter will know where it is at and if they should be traveling through Frankfort to stop and see for themselves.
U.S. Marine Memorial at Fisherman’s Park
Sgt Grit,
I wanted to share a photo of my buddy John and I at the U.S. Marines Memorial at Fisherman's Park, North Tonawanda, NY. It is very humbling and I recommend all past and present Marines to see the Memorial if you are in the area. The bronze colored area of the memorial are hundreds of small plaques dedicated to our brothers in arms.
The “Chesty Puller”
In response to D. Suter, the vehicle pictured (see attached) belongs to the Conrad F. Kania detachment, Marine Corps League, the Tonawandas, New York. It is named Chesty Puller and is used in parades in the Western New York area. This MCL detachment is also responsible for the design, implementation and maintenance of the U. S. Marine Corps memorial in Veteran's Park, North Tonawanda, NY. I have attached a picture of the memorial from one of the annual Marine Appreciation Days held in July.
Race across the USA
MGYSGT Charles (Chunks) Padilla on your left in the attached photo is a member of the Gumpathon Team who will run/bike/walk across the USA, starting in New York and ending in Santa Monica, California.
The Gumpathon is a charity run for the “Injured Marine Fund” and all donations to help the wounded warriors will be appreciated.
Chosin Memorial
Dear Sgt Grit in case you did not know it, I read your article on Korea 1950. I had the honor of being at the Chosin with the 1st Div and serving under CHESTY then a Col. And I am glad to learn about the memorial.
There is another being done at CAMP PENELTON; Ca. on 9/16/10 on the 60 year memorial service at the base a beautiful granite stone next to the Iwo Jima memorial KOREA CHOSIN FEW was dedicated. The Commandant, Gen Conway and several other brass was present, also guest speaker Ret. Capt Dale Dye USMC also producer of new film "CHOSIN" just being released. There were several members of the 1st Div that were present and I was so proud of them many of course my seniors being I was very young at the time.
ENMU Homecoming Parade
Sgt Grit,
A few Marines participated in the homecoming parade at Eastern New Mexico University in Portales, NM. My partner and I decided it was time to represent Marine Corps veterans by participating in the parade. We created our banners by utilizing a design from one of your T-shirts. Needless to say the parade went off quite swimingly. We had 100% positive feedback from the spectators, minus a few fraternity members. HaHa.