Photo By Cpl. Joseph Karwick | Maj. Gen. Paul W. Brier, commanding general of 4th Marine Division, addresses the...... read more read more
Subscribe
CAMDEN, N.J. - Marines, veterans, sailors, former commanders and staff with 3rd Battalion, 14th Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division, gathered in the Adventure Aquarium in Camden, New Jersey, Nov. 15, 2014, to celebrate the 239th Marine Corps Birthday ball.
Attending the celebration was Maj. Gen. Paul. W. Brier, commanding general of 4th Marine Division, and Sgt. Maj. Bradley Kasal, sergeant major of 4th Marine Division, as well as former Inspector-Instructor staff and sergeants major.
“It is an honor to be here with 3rd Bn., 14th Marines and celebrate the 239th birthday of our Corps,” Brier said. “It is important for Marines to celebrate the birthday so Marines can take a moment to pause and reflect on the Marines that have gone before them, to rededicate themselves to selfless service, and re-kindle their pride to the next chapter our Marines will write in the coming history of our Corps and pass on to future generations.”
With Marines attending Marine Corps balls every year, 3rd Bn. 14th Marines’ stood out due to its guests of honor. Brier may be the current commanding general of 4th Marine Division, but he is also a former commanding officer of 3rd Bn. 14th Marines.
“Being here with these Marines really brings back memories,” said Brier.” We as Marines use the ball to think back on our heritage. What better way to look back at heritage then to remember where we come from. Just as Marines came from Tun Tavern, myself and many of the guests invited came from 3rd Bn., 14th Marines.”
Along with a few former commanders, former Inspector-Instructor staff was present at the ball as well.
‘Once a Marine, always a Marine,’ is a well-known term throughout the Marine Corps, one that resonates through the memories and stories of Marines that have come and gone before. To those who served and still serve, like the Marine Corps birthday, the saying is a tradition that is firmly embraced.
“As Gen. Krulak used to say, ‘Even after you take that uniform off, the eagle, globe and anchor is still inside you,’” said retired Col. John A. Koenig, former Inspector-Instructor for 3rd Bn., 14th Marines. “And you never lose that feeling about the Corps and the Marines you serve with, and with the young Marines I see here today, the Marine Corps is in great hands.”
3rd Bn., 14th Marines is headquartered in a special location to the Marine Corps, Philadelphia. It was there in a small tavern that what is known today as the finest fighting force in the world was born.
“We carry on our traditions in the Marine Corps,” said Gunnery Sgt. Godfrey Guevarra, battery 1st Sgt. and battalion administration chief with 3rd Bn., 14th Marines. “Especially being here, so close to Philadelphia, which is the birthplace of the Marine Corps and being with 3rd Bn., 14th Marines, this is our home and it is an honor to carry on that tradition and history and to show our junior Marines that it is important.”
Reuniting many of the former staff of 3rd Bn., 14th Marines was the units way of remembering those who came before them and honoring them and the memory of those who were not or could not be with them.
| Date Taken: | 11.15.2014 |
| Date Posted: | 11.18.2014 17:34 |
| Story ID: | 148184 |
| Location: | CAMDEN, NJ, US |
| Web Views: | 241 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Marines reflect on past, ready for future, by Cpl Joseph Karwick, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
No keywords found.
LEAVE A COMMENT