LAWRENCE JOURNAL-WORLD

CITY BRIEFS - MARINES TO CELEBRATE 223RD BIRTHDAY

Wednesday, November 4, 1998
Mark Fagan, Journal-World Writer

Marines to celebrate

Corps' 223rd birthday

Kennedy, himself a former Marine, proclaimed Nov. 10 to be "Celebrate Marine Corps Birthday," and invited all Lawrence residents and Marines to take part in the eighth-annual local celebration set for 10 a.m. at city hall, Sixth and Massachusetts.

All Marines -- whether on active duty, in the reserves or now out of the service -- are welcome to join in the festivities, celebrating 223 years since the first Marines' recruiting office opened inside a Philadelphia tavern.

Like their comrades across the globe, Marines gathering at city hall plan to share cake, hear a videotaped message from the commandant and raise a toast to the Corps. No mention will be made of regulars, reservists, veterans, boots, old timers or replacements, said Staff Sgt. Nathan Bliss, assistant Marine officer instructor for Kansas University's Naval ROTC unit.

"Only Marines," said Bliss, who stood at attention while Kennedy read the proclamation.

Several city leaders have strong ties to the Corps.

Kennedy served as a forward artillery observer from 1967 to '70, and Commissioner Erv Hodges retired in 1970 as a lieutenant colonel. On the staff side, former Marines include the party's organizers and financiers: George Williams, director of public works; Ray Hummert, city clerk; and Jim McSwain, chief of Lawrence-Douglas County Fire & Medical.