SouthCoast Marines Celebrate 250 Years of Brotherhood in Freetown

The United States Marine Corps is celebrating its 250th anniversary this year, and local Marines are invited to be part of a free celebration in Freetown on Thursday, November 6. The Greater New Bedford Marine Corps League Detachment #1399 is hosting the party at the Freetown VFW, located at 89 Middleboro Road starting at 5:30 p.m.

Richard Seguin, past Commandant of Detachment #1399, and Paymaster Dan Leblanc visited Townsquare Sunday to get the word out about the celebration and talk about what the Marine Corps means to them.

"We encourage all former Marines to come to our event," Leblanc said. "This is a very casual event, and it has been since 2012 when our detachment was formed." The party includes a catered buffet dinner, cash bar and a traditional cake-cutting ceremony. The event is open to active and former Marines and FMF Navy personnel only (no friends or family) and is absolutely free.

History and Meaning Behind the Marine Corps Celebration

"It's a time where we can share camaraderie with other Marines," Seguin said. "It's special. If you've been a Marine, you understand."

If you plan to attend, please RSVP by calling Ron at (774) 930-0539 or Tom at (508) 817-6955.

Marine Corps League’s Community Impact

Detachment #1399 members stay busy throughout the year, spending time visiting veterans in assisted living facilities, taking part in area parades, and raising money for scholarships. It also helps support community organizations like Mercy Meals and More, and national groups like Homes for Our Troops.

The detachment's major effort is the Toys for Tots campaign, which is right around the corner.

"Collection boxes will be going out in the next couple of weeks," Seguin said. "We are collecting unwrapped toys throughout the area, and assisting the (Massachusetts) State Police in Dartmouth with distribution. All of the donated toys will go to children served by the Boys and Girls Clubs in New Bedford and Fall River and to families being assisted by Child and Family Services of New Bedford."

"I love the Marine Corps and I love this detachment," Leblanc said. "We raise money to donate money. That's what we do."

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