Submitted by Mary Wheelan; photos by Lauren Siebert.
Semper Fi Marines! Congratulations to the United States Marine Corps as they celebrate their 251st birthday! You do not look a day over 250! This year’s celebration at Carol’s Lakeview Restaurant, is bittersweet. Chris Whelan, who spearheaded this tradition with six other area Marines will be celebrating his last one here with them. He is moving next spring. Leonard “Gunny’ Ortego and Breana Dilorio have been “enlisted” to carry on this special Marine celebration. The Marine group started with a small group of seven and grew to over 60. As the years passed, so did many of the members or they moved. There are approximately 32 known left who are invited each year to attend the celebration. Every year they meet to enjoy each other’s company, play catch up, reminisce and share in the Marine Corps celebration traditions. This year, 92-year-old Curtis “Scotty Scott was the oldest Marine and 38-year-old Matt Goad was the youngest who participated in the official saber cake-cutting ceremony. A special plaque was presented to Chris by Dan Smith, as a thank you for all the years, Chris served making these celebrations so special. Thanks to Patrick and his staff at Carol’s Lakeview Restaurant for all that they do for these Marines at their celebrations over the years! In closing, we wish Chris “Fair winds and following seas” in all his future endeavors. Thank you! Till next year Marines. Semper Fi!
Submitted
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