Local Marines gathered to celebrate the Marine Corps' 237th year of continued service for the country on Saturday.
The Marine Corps League's General J. H. Pendleton Detachment #389 of Warren had a special opportunity this year in terms of celebrating the event. Mackenzie J. Engstrom, 18, and Bert L. Mullen, 79, who represent the detachment's youngest and oldest active members, respectively, were both in attendance at the event.
Taking advantage of such a moment, the traditional ceremony had a new feel this year as Engstrom and Mullen participated in the ceremonial cutting of the cake. "Everything just came together this year," said Sophia Kopko, "it was a really unique way to celebrate the event. We had our oldest and youngest members using an actual mameluke to cut the cake." The mameluke, an officer's sword, belonged to Kopko's father.
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Marine Mackenzie J. Engstrom, left shakes hands with Marine Bert L. Mullen, representing the youngest and oldest active members of the Marine Corps League’s General J.H. Pendleton Detachment 389 of Warren.
Mullen is a veteran who served from 1951-54 and was a Corporal in the 0311 Infantry out of the Norfolk Marine Barracks during the Korean War. He serves as the Senior Trustee and Judge Advocate of the General J. H. Pendleton Detachment. Engstrom, who began his Marine Corps Training Tuesday at Camp Geiger, is a recent graduate of Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island in South Carolina. Engstrom plans to complete his Military Occupation Specialty in Combat Support.
In addition to celebrating the birthday of the Marine Corps, the event served as a chance for those in attendance to honor those have and will serve for our country. Special recognition goes to Warren Shurfine for donations which aided in the celebration.