Marine Corps’ Birthday Celebration for the Community

          The Temecula Valley Young Marines held a fundraiser at Richie’s Diner in Murrieta last Month. At that fundraiser Jack Williams, the owner of the Richie’s Diners in both Temecula and Murrieta, and his manager Jerry Martin asked if our unit could help celebrate 232 years of Marine Corps pride. Mr. Williams requested our help in supporting the celebration on November 9th however, the CO had to decline the invitation because the Temecula Valley Young Marines would be deploying at that time. So both Jack and Jerry talked it over and changed the celebration to the 2nd of November.  The Marine Corps’ Birthday Celebration would coincide with the Temecula Valley Young Marines’ fundraiser.   The Restaurant was packed on November 2nd and everyone was a buzz about the Young Marines. Young Marines took turns opening the doors to the restaurant for it’s patrons with a “good evening sir” or “Mam.” , , Young Marines were doing all they could to help.  Some placed Marine Corps birthday place mats on all of the tables while others walked around and served coffee to all of the patrons , , , , .

          Around 1830 the time came for the ceremony to begin.  The unit’s Color Guard fell into place in the diner while YM/Sgt. Currier, the unit’s bugler, played the Marines’ Hymn. Everyone was quiet and he played well.  Everyone clapped and cheered with a few “Ooh – Rahs” and “Semper Fi.” The Cake was cut and a piece was given to the Youngest Young Marine Pvt. Gustavo Munguia, 8 years old, and the Oldest Young Marine Sgt. Zachariah Taylor, 18 years old . The night went on and the CO and Jack Williams thanked all of the Young Marines for helping out at the restaurant and making their celebration and the unit’s fundraiser something special.  Ooh-Rah TVYM thank you and Semper Fi Mr. Williams and Mr. Martin. ,