Rutherford County Young Marines traveled to Patriots Point, SC March 28-30, 2019, spending two nights on board the USS Yorktown.
Honoring Veterans is a big part of the Young Marine Program. It is important for the Young Marines to understand why we honor our Veterans and the sacrifices they have made. March 29th is National Vietnam War Veterans Day. It recognizes veterans who served in the US military during the Vietnam War. RCYM spent part of that day at the Patriots Point Vietnam Experience, learning more about the Vietnam War and the sacrifices our Veterans made.
The Vietnam Experience is set in a “Brown Water Navy” support base and a U.S. Marine Corps artillery fire base during the Tet Offensive and the Battle of Khe Sanh in 1968. The exhibit features more than a dozen components that simulate life during wartime.
RCYM had a chance to tour the USS Laffey (DD-724), the most decorated World War II era US Destroyer still in existence. While operating off Okinawa, she was attacked by 22 Japanese bombers and Kamikaze killing 32 and wounding 71 of the 336-man crew. They also toured the USS Clamagore (SS-343), a Cold War submarine, is the only GUPPY III submarine preserved in the U.S.
“The educational knowledge I received from this trip was amazing. The exhibits take you back to WWII and Vietnam without enduring what the soldiers endured to keep our country safe. Thank you to all of our Military Personnel for all your sacrifices,” said YM MSgt Kyle Spivey.
While on board the USS Yorktown, four Young Marines received their promotions on the flight deck.
Pictured left to right: YM GySgt Smith A, YM PFC Monge, YM Sgt Torres, YM Cpl Bello.
The Young Marines is a national non-profit 501c (3) youth education and service program for boys and girls, age eight through the completion of high school. The Young Marines promotes the mental, moral and physical development of its members. The program focuses on teaching the values of leadership, teamwork and self-discipline so its members can live and promote a healthy, drug-free lifestyle.
Since the Young Marines’ humble beginnings in 1959 with one unit and a handful of boys, the organization has grown to over 275 units with 9,000 youth and 2,760 adult volunteers in 40 states, the District of Columbia, Japan and affiliates in a host of other countries.
For more information, visit http://www.YoungMarines.com.
