Marine Corps League Makes U.S. Flag and Americanism Presentation

The Americanism Team of the General Smedley D. Butler Detachment of the Marine Corps League, Newtown Square, regularly makes Americanism and Flag History presentations in local elementary schools, YMCAs, and Senior Centers.

On Thursday July 6, the Team made three Flag History presentations at the Rocky Run YMCA in Media to three groups of campers. The Detachment team members are Marines Earle Drake and Jim Mulhern. One presentation was given to campers at 10:30 am followed by the second at 11:30 am and the third at 1300 hours (1:00 pm). Earle and Jim will return to the Y in August to make their presentation to the remainder of the Summer Campers. All the campers were aged approximately 5-7. The campers were taught how the flag evolved from its earliest days starting with Britain's St. Georges Cross flag that explorer John Cabot planted in Labrador on behalf of King Henry VII, to our current flag, "Old Glory". The history of the Pledge of Allegiance was also part of the program.

The Rocky Run YMCA serves Media, Aston, Newtown Square, Edgemont and Springfield. It offers a wide variety of programs for children and teens including swim lessons, sports, fitness, childcare and day camps. For adults and seniors the Y has personal training, a wide variety of group exercise classes, wellness orientations and free baby sitting services. Jim, who is retired from West Catholic High School, works part time at the Y and the Concord Elementary School.

The General Smedley D. Butler Detachment provides educational programs for children, historically relevant exhibits in libraries and museums, and Graveside Honor Ceremonies. It also provides financial and other assistance to wounded veterans and their families.

The Marine Corps League was founded in 1923 by WWI Marine hero and then Maj. Gen. and Commandant of the United States Marine Corps, John A. Lejeune. Today the League boasts of a membership in excess of 76,000. Its sponsored programs include Marines Helping Marines, the Youth Physical Fitness Program, the Young Marines of the Marine Corps League, the Veterans Service Officer Program, the Marine Corps League Auxiliary, the Toys for Tots program, the Adopt-a-Highway program, and several scholarships.

U.S. Marine Corps General Smedley D. Butler was born in West Chester and lived much of his adult life in Newtown Square. He spent many of his final years lecturing throughout the country on behalf of veterans’ causes and good government. The general was one of only two U.S. Marines awarded two Medals of Honor for heroism in two distinct military actions.

In addition to Marines Jim Mulhern and Earle Drake, the top photo depicts Y Staff, left to right, Ryan McCullough, Sarah Kerrigan, Vieuim Villmer, and Sean Myers.

In addition to Jim and Earle, he middle photo also depicts councilor Ria Sumithea.