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One of the primary objectives of the Marine
Corps League is to recognize and honor fallen Marines. This
program is dedicated to that goal. Many of our fellow Marines
are passing without notice. Some receive gravesite services
from the U. S. Marine Corps, V.F.W. or other organizations
when formally requested. For most, however, the only notice
received is a line in the obituary column stating, “served
in the U.S Marine Corps.” It should be a goal of each
Detachment to recognize and honor every Marine that falls
within their area. What better program could we support than
one that honors our fallen comrades.
The following is a guide for implementing
and applying the “Fallen Marine Program.” It
is recommended that they be adhered to as closely as possible
so as to be uniform throughout each presentation. The program,
however, is not meant to be rigid and inflexible. Experience
has shown that each ceremony or visitation is somewhat different.
You may and probably will experience some conditions, problems
or circumstances not covered herein. Flexibility and adjustment
may be required.
This “Fallen Marine Program” was written by and for Marine Corps
League Detachment #668, Galveston County, Texas. It was implemented on January
1st, 2002. It is now a fully operational and successful program. We welcome
its use by any Detachment of the Marine Corps League. The program was approved
and adopted by the State Organization in May2003 at the annual meeting in San
Antonio. We now have uniform procedures, unique to the Marine Corps League,
which can be used throughout the State and the Country. Recognizing a fallen
Marine, with this program, can be as simple as mailing a 75-cent MCL sympathy
card to full MCL honors. Full honors are as easy as putting on a suit, driving
to the visitation site and presenting honors. It takes 5 minutes to perform
this service at the funeral home. Let’s take the time to recognize our
fallen comrades. We hope in the future that the Marine Corps League will “LET
NO MARINE FALL UNNOTICED.”
With minimal funds, a little preparation
and a “Few Good Men,” this program has proven
most successful. It is simple, easy to understand, well received
and rewarding.
GOD BLESS AMERICA and GOD BLESS HER VETERANS.
“Semper Fidelis”
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