Graduate Inspires Veterans, Students at 15th Annual Breakfast

Tullibee Base submariners and auxiliary members Camilla Edmonds, Jane Hayes, Glen Keller, Steve Walmsley, Herb Edmonds, Charles Gillies, and Glen Bremenkamp were among hundreds of veterans and their family, friends and coastal residents who attended the Gautier High School 15th Annual Veterans Breakfast on Monday. Wounded veteran Anthony McDaniel, a 2006 GHS graduate, was among highlights of the program. (Photo provided by Jane Hayes)

Marine Corps Turns 239 Years Old Today

By KELSEY DRISCOLL

AOL

On November 10, 1775, Philadelphia native Captain Samuel Nicholas formed the the first two battalions of the Continental Marines of the American Revolutionary War after realizing the need for a group able to battle both on water and on land. That institution has transformed and evolved into the few, the proud: the modern day United States Marine Corps.

Today marks 239 years since the creation of the Marine Corps, and it has grown from Captain Nicholas' initial two battalions to roughly 194,000 active members and 40,000 reserve Marines, though it remains the smallest branch of the United States Armed Forces within the Department of Defense.

The official title of United States Marine Corps was incorporated in 1798. The Continental Marines, as well as the Continental Navy, were temporarily disbanded at the completion of the American Revolution. The Marines in particular were reinstated in preparation for the Quasi-War, which was fought against Spain and the French Republic, and mostly at sea.

Since its creation, the Marine Corps has earned recognition by serving in the majority of American wars. Their well-known motto, "Semper Fidelis," often shortened to "Semper Fi," appropriately translates to "Always Loyal." Marines are capable of fighting via land, air and sea, and every member of the Marines receives additional training as a rifleman. The Marine Corps works closely with the United States Navy, as these two services make up the United States Department of the Navy.

Click through the slideshow above to see a brief history of the Marine Corps in photos, and as we commemorate this anniversary and approach Veterans Day, make sure to thank an active soldier or veteran in your life.


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Vietnam Veterans Receive Medal of Honor

WASHINGTON -- Bennie Adkins and Donald Sloat, who served in the Vietnam War, were awarded the highest military honor on Monday during a ceremony at the White House.

The Medal of Honor was presented to Adkins as the 54th living recipient who fought in Vietnam. William Sloat, accepted the award for his brother, allowing Sloat to join 204 deceased Medal of Honor recipients who served in the war that ran from November 1955 to April 1975.

Adkins, a a command sergeant major, was badly wounded while rescuing fellow comrades during an enemy attack. He had joined the U.S. Army at age 22 during 1956.

A native of Opelika, Ala., he served in the infantry and special forces, and was deployed to Vietnam three times.

Sloat died Jan. 17, 1970, when he fell on an enemy grenade to shield fellow soldiers from further destruction. Sloat joined the Army in 1969 and was a machine gunner after completing training.

For details of their heroics, visit sunherald.com

South Mississippi, Nation Remember 9/11 Attacks, Victims and Heroes

SOUTH MISSISSIPPI – Across the country, tributes today marked the 13^th year since nearly 3,000 people lost their lives during the terrorists attacks in New York, Washington, D.C., and Pennsylvania on Sept. 11, 2001.

Following a speech Wednesday night promising to send some 400 more troops to help fight ISIS terrorists threatening the U.S., and who recently beheaded two American journalists, President Barack Obama, first lady Michelle Obama and Vice President Joe Biden observed a moment of silence outside the White House before heading to 9/11 tribute at the Pentagon and in New York.

White House Pauses for Moment of Silence (video)

In South Mississippi, events included a variety of memorials and tributes such as 9/11 Remembrance blood drives in Old Town Presbyterian Church in Bay St. Louis  and at L.H. “Red” Barnett Senior Center in D’Iberville. Both drives were sponsored by the Red Cross, and information can be accessed today at redcrossblood.org using code OTPC for Bay St. Louis and 911DIBERVILLE.  CDC and

A Climb CDC and Americorps 9/11 Service Day was held at Quarles Elementary School in Long Beach. As well, St. Martin High School’s 9/11 Memorial Tribute featured choir and theater students who performed a combination of original material, published poetry recitation, choral performance and reading of victim’s names.