By YM/LCPL Noah Tanzilli Greater Cleveland (OH) Last September, The Greater Cleve- land Young Marines had the privilege of meeting Hershel “Woody” Williams, the only living Marine Medal of Honor Recipient from World War II. While we awaited the arrival of Mr. Williams, the anticipation built up. Every plane that landed raised suspense. “Is this one him?” we thought. Eventually, his plane laded at Burke Lakefront Airport and halted in front of us. I had the honor of carrying our Unit Colors to greet our esteemed guest. After his arrival, Mr. Williams greeted each Young Marine and spoke briefly to each one of us. Members from the Cleveland Police, Cleveland Fire, and other organizations were also there. The fire department presented a water cannon salute and a deck gun salute was performed from the USS Cod, a retired submarine docked nearby. Mr. Williams was a Corporal in the USMC when he fought at Iwo Jima. He was awarded the Medal of Honor when advancing American tanks were halted by concrete enemy pillboxes which were dug in position.Armed with a flame thrower, Mr. Williams pushed forward to reduce enemy machine gun fire. Protected by only four rifleman, he fought for hours under extreme small arms fire,only retreating for more sup- plies. He was charged by count- less enemies with bayonets and under fire from machine guns constantly.Although he was unable to witness it,this happened on the same day as the famous flag raising on Mt. Suribachi. For his actions that day, President Truman awarded Williams the Medal of Honor on October 5th, 1945. I believe I can speak for the entire unit when I say we were all honored to have met a hero such as Mr. Williams. Meeting a WWII Marine Corps Medal of Honor Recipient By YM/Sgt Bryson Bell Rutherford County (TN) On September 11th, 2001 the Unit- ed States of America was viciously at- tacked by Islamic terrorists. In the af- termath of the attack, a total of 2,996 people were killed and more than 6,000 others were wounded. The death toll among first respond- ers amounted to 343 firefighters and 71 law enforcement officers. For the past few years our local American Legion Post 279 has hosted a Patriot's Day at our county's high school. During the program at Cannon County High School,the Amer- ican Legion has a commemorative service for those who fallen during the attack. The Le- gion also takes time to honor our local first responders.They present awards such as Vol- unteer Fireman of the Year, Policeman of the Year, and Most Exemplary First Responder. For the past two years the Legion has asked the Rutherford County Marines to perform a color guard for this event. Each year, it is an honor to be a part of this program that commemorates 9/11 and hon- ors local first responders. Rutherford County Young Marines pictured (L-R): YM/Sgt Bryson Bell, YM/LCpls Andrew and Corey Smith. Tennessee: Remembering 9/11 with Patriot’s Day Color Guard On November 10, 2017, members from all four 2nd Battalion, South- ern California Regiment, Division 6 units participated in a Color Guard for the USMC Vietnam Alpha Re- con Association reunion held at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in San Diego, CA. The 2nd Battalion, SCR, Young Marines present were Division 6 YMOY SgtMaj Anna Saucedo (Temecula Valley Young Marines), 2nd Battalion, Southern California Regiment, YM/MSgt Sophia M. Right- house (of Miramar Young Marines), YM/GySgt Luke Smith (of North San Diego Young Marines), and YM/Cpl Alan Mendoza (of San Diego Young Marines). Prior to the Color Guard, the Young Marines greeted the guests as they arrived at the hall. The Young Marines conducted an exemplary Color Guard, receiving praise and admiration from the distinguished guests. -- Submitted by Bret A. Righthouse, Unit Commander, Miramar (CA) Young Marines D6 Color Guard for Vietnam Alpha Recon Association Reunion YOUNG MARINES ESPRIT ONLINE 13