The Onslow County News And Views

Marines Observe 170th
Anniversary Of Corps

Camp Lejeune fittingly observed the 170th Birthday of the U. S. Marine Corps Saturday in an all-day program which drew several thousand civilians from Jacksonville, New Bern, Kinston and Wilmington to witness demonstrations and to inspect the mammoth installation.

In addition, the Marines themselves celebrated at the Officers club, Staff NCO club and at the new Wallace Creek Pavilion, formally opened and dedicated for enlisted personnel.

The Wallace Creek Pavilion, new ultra-show place, was dedicated appropriately by Maj. Gen. John Marston, commanding general, and a huge birthday cake was cut by Camp Sergeant Major Charlie Clark, veteran Marine.

At the Staff NCO club, everything was "on the house" in celebration of the occasion, and a birthday cake was cut by Master Gunnery Sergeant Jesse Dyer, former member of the First Marine Division.

Several thousand Marines and dates, together with 100 Wilmington hostesses, danced at the new pavilion to the music of Tommy Reynolds and his orchestra and of the Camp Lejeune orchestra.

The pavilion is an attractive place of recreation for enlisted men. It has two huge dance halls, and both were in use Saturday night, each with a band Everything was "on the house" there too, at the snack bar, which separates the two dance halls The facilities of the pavilion will soon be expanded with erection of a pier.

Wilmington sent up a motorcade, and visitors from there and other nearby cities inspected American and captured Japanese weapons and equipment. An infantry weapons demonstration also was offered, much to the amazement and deafening of some of the visitors In addition, the Camp Band offered three concerts during the day, and various buildings were open for inspection, showing operations and services of the corps, such as mess halls, schools, chapels, theatres, exchanges and Red Cross.