Marine heritage honored at CIAA

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Marine heritage honored at CIAA
Submitted by: Marine Corps Recruiting Command
Story Identification Number: 20043114314
Story by Sgt. Jimmie Perkins



Raleigh, N.C.(March 1, 2004) -- In the midst of a celebration of youthful energy and achievement at the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) 2004 Basketball Tournament, a moment honoring achievements of the past helped the Marine Corps make its mark on the annual event. In front of the nearly 20,000 college basketball fans in attendance at RBC Center, here for the Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) national basketball tournament, Montford Point Marines were given a rousing standing ovation.

Sixty years ago, the Montford Point Marines swore to defend the constitution of the United States while living and training at Montford Point, N.C., now known as Camp Johnson. More than 20,000 Marines stationed there between 1942 and 1949 made history as the first African-Americans to serve in the Marine Corps. This year they were honored center court, during halftime at the CIAA Basketball Tournament, for opening the door to opportunities for African-Americans in the United States Marine Corps.

"This is all very gratifying for us, and hopefully these young people here will question and learn about our experiences and contributions," said First Sergeant Finney Greggs (ret.), Director of the Montford Point Marine Museum, Jacksonville, N.C.

During the week of the tournament, North Carolina Governor, Mike Easley, and the Mayor of Raleigh, Charles Meeker, officially recognized the 'Men of Montford Point', both proclaiming February 23rd through 28th as, "Men of Montford Point Excellence in Leadership Week."

"By bringing the Montford Point Marines to the city of Raleigh to tell of their incredible adventure as U.S. Marine pioneers, it is a unique way of providing inspiration in the lives of young people," said Brigadier General John Thomas, the Chief Information Officer for the Marine Corps. "The Marine Corps is especially proud to honor the 'Men of Montford Point' during this year?s CIAA tournament, in recognition of Black History Month. These brave men are a living testament to the African-American spirit and are a symbolic reminder of how far we have come as a nation."

During the 2003-2004 college basketball season the United States Marine Corps partnered with the CIAA in events at each of its 12 conference schools. This partnership with the CIAA brought the Marine Corps to this year's tournament at the RBC Center in Raleigh, N.C.

"The Marine Corps is proud to participate for the fourth consecutive year at the CIAA Basketball Tournament," said Capt. Marc Cole, diversity-marketing officer, Marine Corps Recruiting Command.

The CIAA is the country's oldest African-American athletic conference. The Marine Corps has fostered relationships with HBCUs as it works to build leaders and attract highly qualified African-American officer candidates. As part of this year's tournament, Marine Corps officers appeared at CIAA events throughout the Raleigh area to spread the Marine Corps' message of inclusion and opportunity.

"Historically Black Colleges and Universities are extremely important to the Marine Corps as we continue to build leaders and attract qualified African-American officer candidates," said Cole. "It is vitally important that we continue to foster the development of tomorrow?s leaders and we applaud the role of the CIAA in providing a forum that highlights leadership, academic excellence and civic responsibility."



First Sergeant Finney Greggs (ret.), Director of the Montford Point Marine Museum, Jacksonville, N.C., holds the proclaimation from North Carolina Governor, Mike Easley, proclaiming Feb. 23-28, "Men of Montford Point Excellence in Leadership Week." Photo by: Sgt. Jimmie Perkins

http://www.usmc.mil/marinelink/mcn20...F?opendocument


Sempers,

Roger