Log In

Reset Password
Welcome, User
LEHIGH VALLEY WEATHER
Bethlehem Catasauqua East Penn Northampton Northwestern Parkland Salisbury Whitehall-Coplay

Happy birthday and Semper Fi U.S. Marine Corps celebrates 246th birthday

Published November 18. 2021 10:21AM

By Ed Courrier

Special to The Press

The United States Marine Corps Monument in Allentown’s Cedar Beach Park was where local veterans and their families celebrated the 246th birthday of the U.S. Marine Corps on Nov. 10.

Carl Kratochvil and Terry Stocker served as flag bearers as they were flanked by riflemen Robert Hoffman and George Borman. Kratochvil served in the USMC from 1975-81; Stocker from 1968-72; Hoffman from 1958-62; and Borman from 1973-76.

The widow of a Marine veteran, Pam Hittinger sang a heartfelt national anthem a cappella from behind the color guard.

“It’s an honor they asked me to do this,” she said.

Her late husband, retired Gunnery Sgt. Kurt Hittinger served from 1977-98. He died at age 56 in 2016 from a rare cancer. The couple met at Egypt VFW Post 7293 during an F-14 Tomcat installation ceremony in 2003 during which she sang “The Star Spangled Banner.”

Attendees enjoyed fine autumn weather as they celebrated the Corps, as well as honoring two of their number, Lenny Keefer and Ralph E. Brodt III with outstanding service awards.

These were presented to them by Commandant of Bethlehem Detachment 284, Marine Corps League Doug Graves. A Vietnam vet, Graves served from 1965-85 in the 7th and 4th Marines.

The event involving the Marine Corps League of Bethlehem and Lehigh Valley detachments was organized by Marine vets Master Gunnery Sgt. Carl Schroeder Jr. and his wife, Master Sgt. Roslyn Schroeder.

The Continental Congress passed a resolution on Nov. 10, 1775, to create two battalions of Marines to serve as landing forces for the recently commissioned Continental Navy.

These fighting men distinguished themselves on land and sea during the Revolutionary War. This date in U.S. history is recognized as the birth date of the United States Marine Corps.

The Corps’ motto is Semper Fidelis, Latin for “Always Faithful.”

Press photos by Ed Courrier Pam Hittinger sings a heartfelt rendition of the national anthem. Color guard members are Robert Hoffman, Carl Kratochvil, Terry Stocker and George Borman.
Retired Marine Colyer James reads Gen. Lejeune's 1921 birthday message. James served from 1971-19 retiring at the rank of gunnery sergeant. He currently serves as paymaster for Lehigh Valley Detachment 296.
PRESS PHOTOS BY ED COURRIER Three generations of one family gather at the birthday celebration. They are Peter Vas Dias who served from 1988-92. In front are his sons Gabriel, 6, and Logan, 11, and his dad, Richard. The family patriarch retired as a major after serving from 1957-78, including as a helicopter pilot.
Active duty Capt. Gorlakski from the I&I Staff Allentown delivers a birthday greeting from the current Marine Corps Commandant Gen. David H. Berger to event attendees.
Commandant of Bethlehem Detachment 284, Marine Corps League Doug Graves presents a “Marine of the Year” medal and certificate to Lenny Keefer. The vet was honored for his long years of dependable service to the Marine Corps League. First Sgt. Keefer served from 1954-79 in the USMC Reserves.
Marine bugler Ralph E. Brodt III, receives a certificate of appreciation for his musical contributions from Commandant of Bethlehem Detachment 284, Marine Corps League, Doug Graves.
Retired Lt. Gen. Richard Kramlich takes the microphone to remind fellow Marines, as well as fellow Americans, to “keep our honor clean” during politically divisive times while delivering remarks at the Marines' event. Kramlich served from 1969-2009.
Linda Van Boven served from 1969-73 leaving the Marine Corps as a Sergeant E5. An early female demolitions expert, she also served in the U.S. Army.