Marine Corps celebrates its 241st birthday Thursday, Nov. 10
The United States Marine Corps traces its institutional roots to the Continental Marines of the American Revolutionary War, formed by Capt. Samuel Nicholas by a resolution of the Second Continental Congress on Nov. 10, 1775, to raise two Battalions of Marines. That date is regarded and celebrated as the date of the Marine Corps birthday.
Some history on Veterans Day, Nov. 11
Veterans Day, formerly known as Armistice Day, was originally set as a U.S. legal holiday to honor the end of World War 1, which officially took place on Nov. 11, 1918. In legislation that was passed in 1938, Nov. 11 was dedicated to the cause of world peace and to celebrate and be known as “Armistice Day. As such, this new legal holiday honored World War 1 veterans. In 1954, after having been through both World War 11 and the Korean War, the 83rd U.S. Congress at the urging of the Veterans organizations amended the Act of 1938 by striking out the word “Armistice” and inserting the word “Veterans”. With the approval of this legislation on June 1, 1954, Nov. 11 became a day to honor American veterans from all wars.
Veterans Day in Washington
Veterans Organizations everywhere will be recognizing Veterans Day on Nov. 11. Visitors to Washington, D.C., can join in the national salute starting at 9 a.m. at the World War II Memorial; 11 a.m. at the Tomb of the Unknowns at Arlington National Cemetery; and at 1 p.m. at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. More updates will be posted on the respective websites: WWII Memorial, www.wwiimemorialfriends.org, www.arlingtoncemetery.mil; and The Wall, www.vvmf.org.
Vietnam Era Health Study
Last week, the VA announced a nationwide study – the Vietnam Era Health Retrospective Observational Study (VE-HEROeS) – that will assess the current health and well-being of Vietnam veterans, Blue Water Navy veterans and veterans who served elsewhere during the Vietnam Era (1961–1975). Approximately 43,000 veterans will be invited to participate in this important study and the VFW encourages them to do so. To learn more about VE-HEROeS, go to www.publichealth.va.gov.
VA Center for Women Veterans Meeting
The Department of Veterans Affairs Center for Women Veterans (CWV) held a breakfast on Wednesday. The director for CWV, Kayla Williams, hosted the event which was attended by Department of Labor, the VFW, other veterans service organizations, and nearly half a dozen female veteran-specific nonprofits. The intent of the now monthly breakfasts is for key players in women veterans advocacy to come together to discuss their areas of focus. Main topics highlighted Wednesday included reproductive health, military sexual trauma, women veterans employment, homelessness, outreach and MyVA goals for health equity and gender-specific needs. The next breakfast is slated for Dec. 5. To learn more about CWC, go to www.va.gov/WOMENVET.
MIA Update: *Marine Pfc. Nicholas J. Cancilla, 18, will be buried Nov. 7 in his hometown of Altoona, Pa. Cancilla was assigned to Company B, 1st Battalion, 2nd Marines, 2nd Marine Division. Cancilla died on the first day of battle, Nov. 20, 1943. *Army Pfc. William V. Giovanniello, 22, of Brooklyn, N.Y., will be buried Nov. 10 in Port Jervis, N.Y. Giovanniello was a member of Company F, 2nd Battalion, 35th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division. He was declared missing in action on April 25, 1951. *Army Cpl. Wayne Minard, 19, of Furley, Kan., will be buried Nov. 12 in nearby Wichita. Minard was a member of Company C, 1st Battalion, 9th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Division, fighting a delaying action south to Kunu-ri, North Korea. He would be reported missing in action on Nov. 26, 1950.
Till next week, praying for all service members.
– Charles Castelluccio
