Each year, all around the country, men and women come together to reflect on the service and sacrifice of members of the U.S. military. Whether it be through public ceremonies, or private meditation, honoring those who served is the true meaning of Veterans Day.
Marines with Marine Forces Reserve in New Orleans take pride in several events they participate in this time of year to honor those who served, and those currently serving.
Visiting the gravesite of former Marines and hearing their stories is one of they ways the Marines come together to learn about their heritage and reflect on heroes who served before them.
Gen. Robert H. Barrow and Maj. Daniel Carmick are two Marines honored each year for their Marine Corps legacies. Gen. Barrow was the 27th Commandant of the Marine Corps and has been honored each year since he passed away in 2008 by the Marines of MARFORRES. Maj. Carmick is remembered for his leadership and legacy during the Battle of New Orleans during the War of 1812.
“The leadership that Maj. Carmick displayed on the battlefield was a contributing factor to the defeat of the British Troops,” said retired Marine Corps Col. Paul B. Deckert. “His actions should inspire all of us to step up to the plate when we are called.”
This year the Marines also participated in a wheelchair basketball game held at the Southeast Veteran's Hospital in New Orleans. The game was open to the public and consisted of veterans from all military branches playing against employees of Veterans Affairs. The game was a way to raise awareness for veterans and build camaraderie between the two parties.
Aside from these events open to the public, the Marines of MARFORRES took time to reflect on their own service to the country at Marine Corps Support Facility New Orleans.
This year marks the 243rd birthday of the Marine Corps. Each year, the Marines celebrate with a motivational run, followed by a birthday message from the commanding officer and sergeant major of Headquarters Battalion.
“We’ve got a lot of outstanding Marines at Marine Forces Reserve,” said Sgt. Maj. Benny R. Benton, Marine Forces Reserve Headquarters Battalion Sergeant Major. “1775 may have been a few years ago, but I know we still remember and celebrate what it truly means to be a Marine.”
Events like the motivational run and hearing the inspiring heritage of those who have served promotes unit cohesion, demonstrates pride in the local community and cultivates esprit de corps. This time of year brings Marines together as a proud Corps of warfighters, and reminds them that their service is making a difference each and every day.