Last May, the Upstate Young Marines had the opportunity to volunteer at the Greenville Scot- tish Games,anchoring Gallabrae,which ranks among the top Games worldwide by the Standing Counsel of Scottish Chiefs. Greenville, SC, is nestled in our country’s highest concentra- tion of Scots-Irish descent and this greatly respected event cel- ebrates the Scottish heritage and embodies the many Scottish traditions brought to our country. These are the only Games in the United States to conduct a Miss Greenville Scottish Games as part of the Official Miss South Carolina Pageant. The Young Marines helped with various booths as crowds came to enjoy bagpipe music, traditional Scottish games, displays of Irish Clans, and amazing performances of Scottish Country Dancers and Celtic bands.Among the many events of this three day celebration, included was a 21 gun salute by the Marines, a recognition of veterans program,and a military tribute program. Young Marines also had the opportunity to interact with the local Marine Corps League at their booth in the event. Upstate Young Marines strives to support our surrounding communities by volunteering at events such as these and many others as we continue to work together to provide community service. -- Sub- mitted by Irina Kocsis, Upstate (SC) Young Marines MY YM UNIT Upstate: Assisting at the Greenville Scottish Games The 2017 Great American History Adventure: An Adventure to Never be Forgotten By YM/MGySgt Molly Carino Rogue Valley (OR) This past July, I had the opportunity to attend the Great American History Adven- ture. Our trip started in Salem, MA where we learned about the Salem Witch Trials, and experienced a presentation of what such a trial would have been like. We then continued to visit the Plimoth Plantation and the Adams Estate. We departed Salem and Plimoth, then made our way to Boston. In Boston, we climbed 294 steps to the top of the Bunker Hill Monument and walked along the Freedom Trail. After three days in Massachusetts, we made our way to New York. In New York, we go to visit the U.S.S. Intrepid as well as take a stroll through Central Park. However, the highlight of New York was the 9/11 Mu- seum as well as the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island.Those three monumental places impacted us as a nation. As we de- parted New York, we made the journey to Philadelphia. While in Philadelphia, we visited the Na- tional Constitution Center, the Museum of the American Revolution and the United States Mint. The entire group climbed the Rocky Steps reaching a monumental event for us. On our last day, we visited the Lib- erty Bell, Independence Hall and Valley Forge. We were greeted by actors portray- ing Samuel Nicholas and George Washing- ton at Valley Forge, where we got to learn a little bit more about them and their contri- bution to the United States. Overall, this trip is one for the history books. Not a lot of young people get to experience something like this. I will for- ever be grateful for the many opportuni- ties this program has given me. 8 YOUNG MARINES ESPRIT Online