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LEHIGH VALLEY WEATHER
Bethlehem Catasauqua East Penn Northampton Northwestern Parkland Salisbury Whitehall-Coplay

Happy birthday and Semper Fi

Published December 07. 2021 10:58PM
by Ed Courrier Special to the Bethlehem Press

The United States Marine Corps Monument in Allentown’s Cedar Beach Park was the scene for local veterans and their families celebrating the 246th birthday of the Marines Nov. 10.

Carl Kratochvil and Terry Stocker served as flag bearers, 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 served from 1973-76.

The widow of a Marine vet, Pam Hittinger sang a heartfelt national anthem a capella 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 passed away at age 56 in 2016 from a rare cancer related to his military service. The couple had met at Egypt VFW Post 7293 during an F-14 Tomcat installation ceremony in 2003 where 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 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 Marines’ motto is Semper Fidelis, Latin for “Always Faithful.”

At right, Pam Hittinger sings a heartfelt rendition of the national anthem. Color guard members, from left, are Robert Hoffman, Carl Kratochvil, Terry Stocker and George Borman.
At right, retired Marine Colyer James reads Gen. Lejeune's 1921 Birthday Message. James served from 1971-2019 retiring at the rank of Gunnery Sergeant. He currently serves as paymaster for Lehigh Valley Detachment 296.
Three generations of one family gather at the birthday celebration. From left, in back, Peter Vas Dias who served from 1988-92. In front, from left, are his sons, 6-year-old Gabriel and 11-year-old Logan, and his dad, Richard Vas Dias. 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.
At left, 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, at left, is given a certificate of appreciation for his martial musical contributions by Commandant of Bethlehem Detachment 284, Marine Corps League Doug Graves.
press photos by douglas graves Retired Lt. Gen. Richard Kramlich takes the mic to remind his 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, dressed in fatigues, served 1969-73, leaving the corps as a Sergeant E5. An early female demolitions expert, she also served in the U.S. Army.