Marine Corps League Presents Americanism Program at Maris Grove

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, YMCA's, and Senior Centers. On Monday, May 9, 2016, Marines Jim Mulhern and Earle Drake made a presentation at the Rose Court Veterans club at Maris Grove. The veterans were refreshed about 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.

Rose Court at Maris Grove is a continuing care program for those Maris Grove clients that are in need of extra care. The Rose Court Continuing Care program recognizes the uniqueness of each resident and encourages them to participate in the direction of their care. The Marine Corps League was invited to present the Americanism/Flag History program to the veterans by Dominic D'Alessandro, Commandant of the General Smedley D. Butler Detachment. Dominic's father Dominic D'Alessandro, Sr. also a Marine Veteran, is a resident of Rose Court and celebrated his 100th birthday recently.

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.

See the General Butler Detachment on Face Book at “Marine Corps League, General Smedley D. Butler Detachment”. The Pennsylvania Department of the MCL has a web site at PAMCLeague.org.

Shown in the enclosed picture are, left to right, Earle Drake, Rose Court Administrator Kimberly Huston, and Jim Mulhern.