Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10 Page 11 Page 12 Page 13 Page 14 Page 15 Page 16 Page 17 Page 18 Page 19 Page 20 Page 21 Page 22 Page 23 Page 24 Page 25 Page 26 Page 27 Page 28 Page 29 Page 30 Page 31 Page 32 Page 33 Page 34 Page 35 Page 36 Page 37 Page 38 Page 39 Page 40 Page 41 Page 42 Page 43 Page 44 Page 45 Page 46By YM/Cpl Kyra English and YM/LCpl Cadence Copson South Jersey Young Marines On May 21st 2016, the South Jer- sey Young Marines went to Wild- wood Cemetery in Williamsport, PA. We took 22 Young Marines and 8 Registered Adults. We placed approximately 1,500 flags on the graves of veterans. The veterans served in wars from the Civil War, WWI, WWII, Korea, Vietnam, and the Gulf War. There were veterans from the Navy, Marines, Army, Merchant Ma- rines, Air Force, and Coast Guard. For most of us, it was the first time we had every done anything like it. In fact, only one of our Young Marines, YM/Cpl Kyra English, had placed wreaths at a memorial service before, at an event in 2012. We all felt it was an honor to be able to honor the veterans who gave their lives for our country. South Jersey: Fifteen Hundred Flags for Veterans’Graves By YM/Sgt Jon-Cristian Monserrat Temecula Valley (CA) Last April, I had the privilege of attending a memorial for a fallen hero, SSGT Louis F. Cardin, USMC. The city of Temecula, CA and the Cardin family welcomed the public to attend and pay our respects. SSGT Cardin graduated from a lo- cal high school and his family still lives in the area. I was aware that I would see many citizens as well as fellow Marines of SSGT Cardin at the memorial. I expected to see pictures of him and flowers left in remembrance.I even knew that some local gov- ernment officials would be attending. What I did not prepare myself for was the opportunity to meet his family and being thanked for attending. As soon as I arrived, a man in uniform approached me and shook my hand. He told me he was grateful for my show of support. I noticed that the name tape on his uniform that spelled out Cardin. At that moment, I was extremely ap- preciative of our military and their families. I was able to see the face and shake the hand of a loved one. It was very real. My moment came to get in line and stand in front of SSGT Cardin’s flag-draped coffin. I took time to salute him. I thanked him. I prayed for his family. I will never forget that experience.I believe I will always feel connected to Staff Sergeant Cardin in some way. I will never forget his name and the courageous way he lived his life. We must always remember, and never forget. Temecula Valley: A Memorial to Honor a Fallen Hero Everywhere, Young Marines are HonoringOurVeterans By YM/Sgt Dylan White Lt.Alexander Bonnyman (TN) The Hershel W. Williams Medal of Honor Foundation is building a Gold Star Family Memorial at the East Ten- nessee Veterans Cemetery in Knox- ville, TN. Hershel W. “Woody” Williams (born October 2, 1923) is the last surviving Medal of Honor recipient from The Bat- tle of Iwo Jima in World War II. On April 23, 2016, The Lt Alexander Bonnyman and the North Knoxville Young Marines units were invited to participate in the ground breaking cer- emony.  The Young Marines performed a color guard for the event and participat- ed in the ‘shovel brigade’, among other duties. Gold Star families, the Marine Corps League, and community members attended. Mr.Williams was the guest of honor and spoke eloquently about the Military and honoring the fallen as well as their families. Young Marines from both units had the opportunity to meet Woody Wil- liams. He took the time to greet each Young Marine, he spoke to each one, and shook their hands. Three of our senior Young Marines are leaving for the military, after being honorably dis- charged from the Young Marines. YM/1st Sgt Martha Vaught has enlisted in the Air Force (Mr.Williams joked that he forgave her). It was a wonderful opportunity to be in the company of such a respected Marine. Tennessee: Meeting a Most Distinguished Marine ESPRIT ONLINE | Page 22