As a former British Royal Marine I was honored recently when I was accepted as an associate member of Marine Corps League Detachment 1439 that meets here in Fountain Hills.

I often see USMC bumper stickers of proud Marines families travelling around town.

The League hopes that you will take the opportunity tonight, Wednesday, July 19, to come and join us for a very informal social at the Fireside Grill at the Lexington Hotel from 6 p,m. No speeches, just a chance to enjoy each other’s company and savor delicious appetizers for an hour or so. It will be sponsored by the Marine Corps League #1439.

Everyone loves the Marines, so everyone is welcome, whether or not you have had a Marine in your family’s past.

For those who don’t already know here’s a little background: The Marine Corps League is the only Congressionally chartered United States Marine Corps-related veterans organization in the United States. Its Congressional Charter was approved by the 75th U.S. Congress and signed by President Franklin D. Roosevelt on August 4, 1937. The organization credits its founding in 1923 to legendary Marine Corps Commandant John A. Lejeune.

Members of the Marine Corps League join together in camaraderie and fellowship for the purpose of preserving the traditions and promoting the interests of the United States Marine Corps, banding together those who are now serving in the United States Marine Corps and those who have been honorably discharged from that service that they may effectively promote the ideals of American freedom and democracy, voluntarily aiding and rendering assistance to all Marines and former Marines and to their widows and orphans; and to perpetuate the history of the United States Marine Corps and by fitting acts to observe the anniversaries of historical occasions of particular interest to Marines.