In April of 2015, the Marine Corps League Detachment 708 monument was vandalized, the reason is unknown. As the news of this devastating action spread throughout the community last year, members of Detachment 708 were flooded with donations both in volunteerism and contributions. Turner Funeral Home was a major contributor for the new monument.
“The general feeling within the detachment was in almost disbelief that someone would do that,” Dave Harris said. Harris has been a Marine Corps League Detachment 708 member for six years and served in the Marine Corps from 1968-1972.
The ceremony couldn’t have been presented on a more beautiful Florida day. It was an emotional one for many of the members. Hail Skoglund performed a beautiful violin solo performance of the national anthem and Major General Hartsell, USMC-U.S. Pacific Command was the guest speaker.
“There is no need to dwell on what happened in the past,” stated Major General Hartsell, USMC-U.S. Pacific Command. Instead he explained that it is more important to focus on the future.
As the ceremony continued with speakers from the Detachment, members gathered around the newly erected monument which features engraved bricks dedicated to members who have passed on.
“This garden represents servicemen; some that are listed there have passed away, some in combat,” Harris said.
Mr. Harris would like to take this time to say thank you for all those that helped make this Re-Dedication Ceremony a success for Marine Corps League Detachment 708 of Spring Hill.
For more information about the Detachment visit http://www.mcl708.org/