By Bonnie Mcnulty
A couple of months ago I received an invitation from Capt. Andrew Morris, Executive Officer of Marine Corps Recruiting Station Denver, to attend the Marine Corps Educators Workshop in San Diego, Calif. The Marines feel they are our partners in education and student success. They offer the workshop as an opportunity for educators and community leaders to learn not only how Marines are made, but to learn about the myriad of educational opportunities available to the young people of our community, as Marines.
We visited and participated in many of the activities recruits do as they go through their first 13 weeks of being a Marine. We learned commands, how to march and do formations, and how to follow orders. Fortunately, we did not have to cut our hair. From the Yellow Footprints Tour (Marines will know what that is) to Weapons Field Training, we were introduced to how a civilian becomes a Marine. On our final day we participated in the Morning Colors Ceremony and watched 463 young Marines graduate.
The educational opportunities are phenomenal. With over 700 military occupational specialties in 40 occupational fields, I would encourage any young student to consider any of our nation’s military services. The military is a great option for getting a higher education, seeing the world, and expanding one’s view of the great future that awaits our young adults.
As we build our future we ca not forget the past. Memorial Day is already upon us and sometimes I think we forget the meaning of Memorial Day. It is a day of national awareness and reverence, honoring Americans who gave their lives while defending our nation and its values. It was originally known as Decoration Day, commemorating soldiers who died in the American Civil War. Today it honors all Americans who have died in all wars.
The National Holiday Act of 1971 changed the date of Memorial Day from May 30 to the final Monday of May. With the excitement of a three-day weekend, people often overlook the meaning of the day. To help re-educate the nation, the National Moment of Remembrance resolution was passed in December 2000, asking all Americans, at 3:00 p.m. local time, “To voluntarily and informally observe in their own way a Moment of Remembrance and respect, pausing from whatever they are doing for a moment of silence or listening to ‘Taps’.”
Please take a moment to remember and honor all who have served, or are serving, in our nation’s military.
Please come to coffee on Wednesdays from 9:00-11:00 a.m. at the Edgewater Coffee Company, 5224 W. 25th Ave., and I will buy your coffee (or tea). Or call me and I will make an arrangement for a time that works for you.
Edgewater mayor Bonnie McNulty can be reached at 303-233-6216 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .