14th Annual Gathering of Marines will be held November 10 at Margate

LACONIA — The Lakes Region Detachment of the Marine Corps League will celebrate the 14th Annual "Gathering of Marines" on Saturday, November 10, the Margate on Winnipesaukee Resort at 76 Lake Street in Laconia.

The annual event was announced by Robert P. Patenaude, Commandant of the Lakes Region Detachment of the Marine Corps League #506 to commemorate the 237th birthday of the founding of the United States Marine Corps at Tuns Tavern in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on November 10, 1775.

Each year Marines, old and new, from WWII to those now on active duty throughout the world, celebrate the occasion for a heritage that is unique amongst all the branches of the military services.

The "Gathering of Marines" in the Lakes Region was started in 1998 by Retired Marine Corps Colonel, Norm Noel, of Meredith. The first year a few Marines in the area sat down for a dinner to celebrate the founding of the Corps which then evolved into a larger group coming together each year thereafter from all across the state to attend the event. In 2008 the "Gathering" was transferred to the Lakes Region Detachment of the Marine Corps League and remains its main activity each year.

During the evening's ceremonies, which will begin at 7 p.m., a presentation of the Colors occurs, the National Anthem, Navy and Marine Corps Hymns are played, honor salutes to all the branches of the services are made and the "Commandants Letter" is read by a retired Marine officer present. Another tradition celebrated each year is the cutting of the birthday cake with the first and second slices reserved for the youngest and oldest Marine in attendance. Recognition is also rendered to any special attendee who has been awarded honors for his or her service to the Marine Corps.

Those who wish to attend this year's "Gathering" with wives and guests are encouraged to contact Commandant Patenaude at 603-253-7970 or via email at RPPatenaude@aol.com as soon as possible to ensure reservations or mail a check for $45 per person to Lakes Region Detachment, MCL, P.O. Box 628, Wolfeboro Falls, New Hampshire, Postal Code 03896.