Photo By Cpl. J Nava | Brent Terry turns a cranks to start his 1916 Model T on Marine Corps Recruit Depot...... read more read more
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PARRIS ISLAND, S.C. - Members of the Model T Ford Club International drove more than 50 vintage automobiles onto Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island during their visit March 30.
The club members came in their vehicles, which dated back to 1909 through 1927, to witness the graduation ceremony of Alpha Company, 1st Recruit Training Battalion, and Oscar Company, 4th Recruit Training Battalion, and to tour the depot.
“It was extraordinary to see the graduation,” said Dennis Fleming, a club member and owner of a 1922 Center Door Sedan Model T. “It was definitely awe inspiring.”
Dennis Fleming came to the depot with his wife, Martha Fleming. They are from Luray, Va.
The club is composed of members from all over the United States and even some from other countries. The members load their vintage vehicles onto trailers to transport them long distances and drive the automobile themselves to their short-term destinations.
All the members drive and maintain their own vehicles and some of the members even own more than one vintage vehicle, said Dennis Fleming.
“These vehicles help you see things at a slower pace and they help you preserve some of the country’s heritage,” Martha Fleming said.
Preserving and taking part in heritage is one of the reasons the club members where so interested in coming to Parris Island.
“I like observing the discipline these guys have,” said Gordon Koll, speaking of the new Marines. “The band was great and the [pass in review portion] was very fun to watch.” Gordon Koll came to the depot with his wife, Marcia Koll. They own a 1926 Model T and hail from Grand Rapids, Mich.
Apart from the graduation, the club members also took in some of the depot’s sights, had lunch at Traditions restaurant, and visited the Parris Island Museum.
“It was so awesome to come here,” said Pennie Terry, a club member. “It was so humbling to come here and see these young people who volunteer to serve in the military.” Pennie Terry came to the island with her husband Brent Terry. They own a 1916 Model T and came from Elizabethton, Tenn.
Dennis Fleming, who said he once drove one of his Model T automobiles from New York to Washington state, said he particularly enjoyed seeing the new graduates.
“These are the men and women who protect our country. I’m very grateful for that, and I appreciate everything they do,” he said.
| Date Taken: | 04.05.2012 |
| Date Posted: | 04.05.2012 13:01 |
| Story ID: | 86302 |
| Location: | PARRIS ISLAND, SC, US |
| Web Views: | 86 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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