The Newtown Square Marine Corps League Team Makes Its Second 2017 Appearance At The Rocky Run YMCA

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 Friday August 11, the Team of Marines Earle Drake and Jim Mulhern made three Flag History presentations at the Rocky Run YMCA in Media to three groups of Y campers. One presentation was given to campers at 10:30 am followed by the second at 11:30 am and the third at 1:00 pm. The campers, aged approximately 5-7 years, 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. Earle and Jim were assisted by Mike Franchi who runs the summer campers programs at the Y, and Y staff members Nick Gallo and Caroline Sisson

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 babysitting services. Jim Mulhern, who is retired from West Catholic High School, works part time at the Y and at 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.

The top photo depicts Marine Jim Mulhern and Y staff member Caroline Sisson.

The middle photo is, left to right, Jim Mulhern, Y staff member Nick Gallo, and Caroline Sisson.

The bottom photo features, left to right, Jim Mulhern, Y staff member Mike Franchi and Marine Earle Drake.