Hello:
29 March 2013 I attended the 10:00am official Birthday Ceremony at the Barracks. It was a very nice 30 minute affair with several hundred Marines and invited guests in attendance. I had the good fortune to be seated in the second row so I was able to take 15-18 good photographs. Afterward I had an opportunity to talk to several of the officers before they secured and went to lunch. John Marley was there and I spoke with him briefly. Riding Metro home later I realized that I'd reported in to the Barracks in March of 1963. Fifty years have passed so in a way it was an anniversary for me. It was a very good day!

The Ceremony Program began with the march on of the band. This was followed by the presentation of the Colors (4 men). The Barracks CO, a Col., gave a 5-8 minute speech. The cake was brought forward by four marines. The Col. used his sword to cut the cake and he presented a piece to each of the two marines standing by him: An older Sgt from the Band and a newly arrived Corporal. The Colors were retired and the Band did an About Face and marched off. The Col. Thanked everyone and the ceremony was secured.

My friend, John, was indeed "Kidnapped" and taken away to the new Barracks across the street. I lingured for a few moments and spoke to the Col.., two officers, John Marley, some civilian tourists and the two Marines on Guard Duty at the Gate. I think you'll recognize the photos I took after the ceremony had ended. A Lt. Col. asked me to stay for lunch, but I'd strained some muscles two weeks earlier and I felt I should return home and rest.

Tom Leonard

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Hi, I was seated right next to Tom Leonard. I think that he forgot about me. He did a great job of taking pictures and I can't wait to see them on the website. I am very sorry that I didn't get to say hi to John Marley. My nephew, Bill Crombie, is a member of Company B at 8th and I. I was, therefore, "kidnapped" by the Company B Commander and brought over to the Barracks where I was asked to address the Troops (which I did). The CO gave me a Company B "Challenge Coin" that had logos of the "Fighting First", the "Sinister Second" and the "Third Herd". Also, there was a logo for the Body Bearers, "the last to let you down". I am guessing that the Drill Team and the Color Guard must be in Company A. The Coin is in the shape of a shield and is over two inches high and almost two inches across. It would be an understatement to say that I was very moved.

I was then ushered over to Center House by the Company B CO and a Platoon Commander. I met (Col. Ret.) Mike McGowan who was 1st Lieutenant McGowan of the "Third Herd" when last I saw him. He came down from Frederick, MD to celebrate the Barracks' Birthday. We are both in agreement that there is a spiritual renewal everytime we enter the gate of the "Oldest Post of the Corps".

I went over and thanked General Christmas for meeting with us after the Friday Night Parade in 2005. I remember that the General was so happy to see (Sgt. Maj. Ret.) Willie Reed that he must have broken a few of Willie's ribs when he hugged him. I thanked General Christmas for all that he has done to lead the undertaking of the Marine Corps Museum in Quantico. He assured me that there are several additions coming in the very near future.

I also spoke with (Col. Ret.?) Mike Kessler who was Barracks XO around 2000 when we were meeting with the Barracks personnel while planning that year's 8th and I Reunion. Mike is doing a great job as the honcho of the Young Marines now. "On the strength of one link in the cable, dependeth the might of the chain. Who knows when thou mayest be tested, so live that thou bearest the strain".

We are all links in the cable, going back to 1801. The young Troops of 8th and I, and the Officers who lead them, are the current links in that chain. I was proudly humbled to be among them this past Friday.

Semper fi,
John Costigan

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