Winter Haven Declares U.S. Marine Week to Honor Local Veterans
by James Coulter
The City of Winter Haven has officially proclaimed U.S. Marine Week from Mon. Nov. 10 to Fri. Nov. 14, recognizing the dedication and service of local Marine veterans.
At their regular meeting on Mon. Oct. 27, Winter Haven Mayor Nathanial J. Birdsong Jr. read an official proclamation designating the first week of November as U.S. Marine Week.
The proclamation recognized the 250 years of service the U.S. Marine Corps has provided since its inception on Nov. 10, 1775. Quoting the Marine Corps hymn, the proclamation praised Marines as the “first to fight for right and freedom” and those who have “fought in every clime and place.”
“The City of Winter Haven, Florida is committed to honoring its United States Marine Corps veterans and their roles as citizens of our community,” the proclamation read. “Marines have continued to serve and make our City strong through organizations like the Marine Corps League, the Young Marines and the Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC).”
George Sidler, Commandant Marine Corps League, accepted the proclamation alongside fellow Marines. He had prepared a speech but shortened it, noting the proclamation had already captured his message.
“I have to put my speech away because you managed to cover everything I had in this,” he told the mayor.
Sidler mentioned how the League operates over 1,200 branches globally, with 70,000 active retirees and veterans. Other members spoke about their community involvement, including Eagle Scouts and the Toys for Tots program. One representative noted their branch contributed over 800 volunteer hours, while another reported receiving more than 185 donated bicycles.
“We have a very long reach out in the community. So if someone asks who the Marine Corps are, you have an idea of what it is all about,” Sidler said. “We consider this [proclamation] a great honor because we are all Marines, and this is very important to us, and we thank you.”
