NOVEMBER 10, 2020 | NATIONAL FORGET-ME-NOT DAY | UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS BIRTHDAY
Camy B. Schwam-Wilcox
Senior Attorney, CEO, Mediator, Guardian Ad Litem, Certified Parent Coordinator at Schwam-Wilcox & Associates
Schwam-Wilcox & Associates
NATIONAL FORGET-ME-NOT DAY
National Forget-Me-Not Day on November 10th reminds Americans of the sacrifices returning soldiers have made of body, blood, and limb. Created in 1921 to remind Americans of the National Forget-Me-Not Day originally raised funds for services for returning injured soldiers. At the time, there was no program in place to support them.
The Forget-Me-Not is a flower symbolizing remembrance.
The Alpine Forget-Me-Not is the official state flower of Alaska. The forget-me-not grows well throughout the open, rocky places, high in the mountains of Alaska.
HOW TO OBSERVE #ForgetMeNotDay
Remember to support our disabled veterans. Volunteer, donate, and wear a forget-me-not. Use #ForgetMeNotDay to post on social media.
NATIONAL FORGET ME NOW DAY HISTORY
Forget-Me-Not Day hearkens back to The Great War. At that time, wounded soldiers returned requiring continued care long after the war ended. While the wounded veterans’ plight was not new, no services existed to treat their needs. Additionally, the government was unprepared for the number of returning wounded. Very few services and organizations existed to provide the care and support the veterans needed.
Eventually, a moment to remember and deliver services to returning soldiers began in earnest in 1921. And that movement began thanks to one injured soldier.
Judge Robert S. Marx
Judge Robert S. Marx called on the nation to establish a day reminding the country of their veterans sacrifices. The day also recognized the needs of disabled soldiers, creating a fundraising platform as a way to provide the necessary services wounded veterans needed. The day was called Forget-Me-Not Day and funds were raised by selling forget-me-nots. The first published occurrence of this day was on December 17, 1921.
Injured on November 10, 1918, Marx served during the Meuse-Argonne Offensive. He returned to the United States from his injuries soon afterward. Since he practiced law before entering the military, Marx took up his practice once more. Soon, Marx was elected judge. Before long, his interest in veterans affairs became apparent. From fundraising to speeches, Marx made the rounds. When In 1920, the Disabled American Veterans of the World War (DAVWW) was founded, Judge Marx became the first leader of the organization. The DAVWW held their first National Caucus on September 25, 1920. Through the DAVWW in 1922 the first official Forget-Me-Not Day fundraising campaign launched on November 11th.
Throughout the 1920s, the organization selected several days in November to observe National Forget-Me-Not Day, including November 11th. However, the day is now well established as Veteran’s Day or Armistice Day. Another well-known Forget-Me-Not Day is September 26th. Also known as Argonne Day in honor of the decisive battle through the Meuse-Argonne Forest.
Today, the organization that founded National Forget-Me-Not Day is named the Disabled American Veterans, supporting all disabled veterans.
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UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS BIRTHDAY
On November 10th, The United States Marine Corps Birthday commemorates the establishment of the Continental Marines.
The United States Marine Corps, a branch of the United States Armed Forces, is responsible for providing power protection from the sea. They use the mobility of the United States Navy to deliver combined-arms task forces rapidly. The Continental Congress first established the Continental Marines on November 10, 1775, leading up to the American Revolution. Two battalions of Marines fought for independence both on land and at sea.
The birth of the U.S. Marine Corps began as a way to augment naval forces in the Revolutionary War.
The recruiting headquarters was in the Tun Tavern on Water Street in Philadelphia, which is considered to be the birthplace of the Marines.
The Corps was abolished at the end of the Revolutionary War. However, on July 11, 1798, Congress ordered the creation of the Corps. Congress named it the United States Marine Corps (USMC) and directed that it be available for service under the Secretary of the Navy.
Marine Corps Presence:
The USMC shares many resources with the other branches of the United States military. However, the Corps has sought to maintain its own identity with regards to mission, funding, and assets while utilizing the support available from the larger military branches. Despite having fewer installations than other branches, the Marine Corps maintains a presence on many Army posts, Naval stations, and Air Force bases.
In his birthday greeting more than 70 years ago, General Alexander Vandegrift, our 18th Commandant noted that “A birthday is a fitting time to peer backward – and forward.” That year, Marines reflected on an extraordinary year in combat during their amphibious drive across the Pacific. Despite the challenges and the horrific conditions, Marines prevailed at Guam, Saipan, and Peleliu. On 10 November 1944, Marines looked back with pride on their accomplishment – confident in their ability to meet future challenges.
In 2004, 20,000 Marines deployed to Al Anbar Province, Iraq – many Marines celebrated the birthday in places like Fallujah, Ramadi, and Al Qaim while decisively engaged in combat. That year, Marines also responded to the crisis in the Pacific following a tsunami claiming the lives of more than 200,000 people. On 10 November 2004, Marines looked back with pride on their accomplishments – confident in their ability to meet future challenges.
Some things change. Marines adapt. Their organization, training, and equipment change to the operating environment. However, some things remain the same. Marines continue to attack challenges with the same courage, commitment, loyalty, self-sacrifice, and adaptability as their predecessors in Peleliu and Fallujah. On 10 November 2014, Marines looked back with pride on our accomplishments- confident in our ability to meet future challenges.
HOW TO OBSERVE #MarineCorpsBirthday
If you know a Marine, thank them for their service. Attend Marine Corps Birthday celebrations. Use #MarineCorpsBirthday to post on social media.
UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS BIRTHDAY HISTORY
In 1921, General John Archer Lejeune, 13th Commandant of the Marine Corps, initiated the tradition of publishing a reminder of honorable service to all Marine commands on the anniversary of the Corps’ birth.
Since then, the United States Marine Corps members have honored the establishment of their military branch every year by republishing General Lejeune’s reminder. Gradually, they added balls and banquets to the birthday celebration.
The first formal dance took place in 1923 at the Ft. Mifflin Marine Barracks in Pennsylvania. Other events include mock battles, sporting events, and races.
In 1925, the historic Benjamin Franklin Hotel hosted the first formal Marine Ball. The ball honored the 150th birthday of the Marine Corp. General Lejeune and Secretary of War Dwight Davis attended.
Commandant, General Lemuel C. Shepherd Jr. brought even more tradition to the warriors, always faithful and always loyal to each other, their country and their traditions. Beginning in 1952, the formal cake cutting ceremony began. During the ceremony, the first piece goes to the oldest Marine present and the second piece to the youngest. This tradition is still practiced today.
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Schwam-Wilcox & Associates, Attorneys & Counselors At Law
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