The Young Marines of Westchester, a relatively little known group, started by three former Marines, Lu Caldara, Richard Balog, formerly of Yonkers now in Georgia and Frank Ponico of White Plains (now deceased), regularly meet at the Westchester County Center, 198 Central Avenue, White Plains, NY 10606, on Friday evenings from 7:30pm - 9:30pm. However, this month has a special get-together in store for these young men and women. They are having their 50th Anniversary Brunch, where they’ll be celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the Young Marines of Westchester!
The Young Marines is a youth group similar to other youth groups in that each unit meets on a regular basis. They are open to all boys and girls aged 8 through graduation of High School. The program was founded in 1958 to promote the mental, moral, and physical development of young Americans. The Young Marines offer a variety of activities specifically designed to develop greater self-esteem, discipline, and self-confidence in its members. Character building is one of the most important objectives of the Young Marine program and all of its activities emphasize the importance of honesty, courage, respect, loyalty, dependability, and a sense of devotion to God, country, community, and family. In July 1993, the United States Marine Corps officially designated the Young Marines program as "the focal organization for fulfilling its participation in the Department of Defense's drug demand reduction activities."
A regular meeting generally consists of a beginning formation where the Pledge of Allegiance is said and then information is passed. Units conduct PT (physical training) which will consist of the "Youth Physical Fitness Program" regimen of pushups, situps, broad-jump, pull-ups and a 300 yard shuttle run. Most units conduct close order drill and color guard drill, classes on first aid, citizenship, map & compass, etc. The meeting then ends with another formation. Promotions and awards are given at different times for personal achievement and subjects that build knowledge and abilities.
The 50th Anniversary event will be held at the Westchester Burger Company at 275 S. Ridge Street in Rye Brook, NY 10573 on Sunday, 19 April 2015 from 11 am - 3:00 pm. The public is invited to join in their celebration. For more information and to RSVP please go to http://www.ymwestchester.org/brunch/ or http://www.westchesterburger.com/
If you’d like to help this group continue to do the good work they do, The Young Marines is a 501(c)3 Organization and your donations are recognized as tax-deductible. Make a difference and support these Young Marines! Your tax-deductible donations can be sent to: Young Marines, PO Box 505, White Plains, NY 10602-0505. Thank you in advance for your support.
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