The Christmas tree overlooking the Leatherneck Gallery and the Harrier is dedicated to the Montford Point Marines. The Montford Point Marines were the first African American Marines since the Revolution. I do not know why African Americans did not join the Marine Corps or why the Marine Corps would not allow them to join until World War II.
Mumford Point (later renamed Montford Point) was the location for Basic Training for all African American Marines to serve in World War 2. At this time, units in the military, all branches, were segregated. It wasn't until the Korean War that units were de-segregated.
You can find out more information on the Montford Point Marine Association, an organization dedicated to preserving the history of that first group of black Marines.
There are some special ornaments on this tree, besides the names of ALL of the Montford Point Marines, there are ornaments dedicated to those Montford Point Marines who received the Medal of Honor.
On the back of each ornament was the story of their actions that earned them this honor.
I recommend a visit to the link I provided above to the Montford Point Marine Association web page, lots of good information and pictures.
No comments:
Post a Comment