North Webster Legion Celebrates Marine Corps Birthday
Posted
Staff Report-
NORTH WEBSTER – On Sunday, the North Webster American Legion Post 253 hosted a party to celebrate the 238th Marine Corps birthday. The post invited area marine veterans and families of marines currently serving. As part of the celebration there was the traditional cake-cutting ceremony, which is a common practice at Marine Corps birthday balls. The oldest marine and the youngest marine cut the cake. This represents the “passing of the torch.” At this ceremony, Gunnery Sgt. Trueman Bell, 90, who joined the Marine Corps Dec. 13, 1942, and Chester Los, 23, who enlisted in 2009, cut the cake. The guest of honor at the event was Lori Jones. Her son, Jake Jones, is a marine currently stationed in the Pacific. She received the American Legion Blue Star Flag, a symbol for a parent with a child in active military service. Also, Don Guard, a recently deceased marine, was honored with the telling of his story. Guard was a highly decorated Marine veteran and member of Post 253. He fought in World War II, Korea and Vietnam. He received the Silver Star, the Bronze Star, the Navy/Marine Corps Commendation Medal for Valor and two Purple Hearts. Guard survived an attack by German U-Boats and Nazi airplanes during World War II. He fought the Chinese during Korea and survived a brutal surprise attack in Vietnam. Event chairman Jeff Spickelmier estimated approximately 75 people were in attendance at the event. After the cake-cutting ceremony and the telling of Guard’s story, local classic rock band Short Term Memories performed for several hours.
