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    Force Recon rededicates monument

    Force Recon rededicates monument

    Photo By Sgt. Ed Galo | MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. -- The 2nd Marine Division Band plays the...... read more read more

    MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, NC, UNITED STATES

    05.13.2011

    Story by Cpl. Ed Galo 

    II Marine Expeditionary Force   

    MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. – Marines and prior-service Marines with Force Reconnaissance Company, II Marine Expeditionary Force, gathered outside the 2nd Reconnaissance Battalion office for a ceremony for a monument.

    In attendance was Lt. Gen. John M. Paxton, the commanding general for II MEF, and members of the 2nd Force Reconnaissance Association.

    “The purpose of this event was to recognize the ultimate sacrifice the members of Force Reconnaissance have made in far off lands in an effort to ensure their country will be a better place,” said Maj. Bradford Carr, the commanding officer for Force Reconnaissance Company, II Marine Expeditionary Force. “It also builds and maintains the relationship between the Force Reconnaissance family of the past and present with a large number of the Force Reconnaissance Association and 2d Force Reconnaissance Association.”

    The monument honors the Marines of Force Reconnaissance Company who paid the ultimate sacrifice over the past 50 years.

    “The memorial used to be at (Marine Special Operations Battalion),” said 1st Sgt. Mike Sparkman, the company first sergeant for Force Reconnaissance Company. “We decided to bring it back here after the company was stood back up again.”

    The monument weighs about 7,500 pounds, and a crane was needed to transport it to its new location, said Sparkman. The names on the plaques date back to Force Reconnaissance Marines from 1963.

    After the ceremony, there was a static display of mission set equipment such as weapons, body armor and packs.

    “On this special occasion, we rededicate and memorialize our fallen brothers who willingly offered their lives as an act of service and ultimately as an act of sacrifice for this great nation, their beloved Corps and their brothers on the battlefield,” said Carr. “This monument is dedicated to the sacrifices of the Men of Force Reconnaissance past, present and future.”

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    NEWS INFO

    Date Taken: 05.13.2011
    Date Posted: 05.17.2011 09:00
    Story ID: 70518
    Location: MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, NC, US

    Web Views: 300
    Downloads: 1

    PUBLIC DOMAIN