Marine Corps League at Maris Grove

Today, August 18, 2014, four members of the General Smedley D. Butler Detachment of the Marine Corps League visited the Veterans Club of Maris Grove in nearby Glen Mills, PA. The purpose of their visit was to give a short presentation on the history of the American Flag.

Maris Grove is a Continuing Care Retirement Community with over 1400 residents. The Veterans Club had approximately 80 residents present for the program. Located in Delaware County, Maris Grove is near Wilmington and not far from Philadelphia.

Each month the Veterans Club holds a breakfast meeting followed by a short business meeting. Speakers from nearby groups present helpful information to the Veterans. Mostly WWll veterans, they represent all branches of the Armed Forces.

The presentation started out with the evolution of the American Flag, from the St. George Cross to Old Glory, presented by Marine Earle Drake, the history of the War of 1812 and the battle of Ft. McHenry and the Star Spangled Banner, presented by Marine Jim Mulhern, Flag related Bugle calls played by Detachment Ceremonial Bugler Lloyd Spangler, and a special guest, FMF (Fleet Marine Force) Navy Corpsman Charley Coombs who related some of his Vietnam battle experiences with the Marine combat units he was supporting.

At the conclusion of the program, the Marine Corps Leaguers fielded questions from the Veterans. All present were given a small American Flag lapel pin and a Flag brochure. The Leaguers then presented Joe Abelson, the President of the Veterans Club, with a Certificate of Appreciation for their service to our country.

In the photo, L to R, are Charley Coombs, Earle Drake, Joe Abelson, Lloyd Spangler, and Jim Mulhern.