Marines Honor Historic Landing With Dining-Out
Today@NPS
Marines Honor Historic Landing With Dining-Out
By MC1 Lewis Hunsaker
NPS Marine Corps students, in formation, honored the Pacific Squadron's July 7, 1846 amphibious landing of Monterey by raising the U.S. flag over the Monterey Customs House, July 24. The annual Marine Corps Dining-Out, and a retirement ceremony for NPS Expeditionary Warfare Chair, Marine Corps Maj. Anthony G. Pollman, followed the flag raising.
"I encourage everyone to set the example," said Pollman. "It has been a pleasure serving for the past 21 years and I look forward to the future."
After a short break and refreshments, the Marines in attendance enjoyed a barbecue dinner in Monterey's Pacific House Memory Garden, along with the dining-out festivities.
Retired Marine Corps Col. John McKay, who received a Secretary of the Navy appointment from the ranks to the U.S. Naval Academy and served two tours in Vietnam where he was twice wounded, was the event's guest of honor.
"I encourage you to keep an open mind, allow yourself new experiences and most importantly, take advantage of those experiences," said McKay. "Once you have done that, then sit back and reflect."
The dining-out concluded with a final toast to the U.S. Marine Corps.