12 | THE COLONY NEWS | SEPTEMBER 2022 |
By Rita Nastri, 698-8640
By the time you read this, our residents will have had another
successful year of donating ball gowns, tuxes, shoes, purses,
wraps and all sorts of finery to the Camp Pendleton YMCA. The
gowns and tuxes are offered free at an open house sponsored
by the Camp Pendleton Y for the Marine spouses who cannot
afford to purchase a tux or ball gown for the Birthday Ball
special events in November. This "Formal Attire Giveaway"
program, developed by the Y only a few years ago, has grown
to the point that donations have also been sent to Marine Corps
Base, Twentynine Palms and Marine Corps Air Station, Yuma,
AZ.
Now you may say, why all this fuss over black-tie finery?
Well, the Marine Corps Birthday is celebrated on November
10 around the world. This day honors the history, values and
memory of our heroes who have served and rekindles the bond
which unites generations of Marines. Heavy on tradition, as
all services are, this is probably the biggest morale booster for
Marines young and old. No matter where you are in the world,
the ceremony is the same and has been over the years. The
first bites of birthday cake are offered to the oldest and then
the youngest Marine present at the ceremony. This year, Ron
Brown and I are going to San Francisco to the Marine Memorial
Club to celebrate.
My many thank you's go to all who have donated to this event.
The response has been amazing. Many have called throughout
the year asking when I can pick up these items. It is nice to
know that you remember me and the program. If you missed
this summer, please put the items in the back of your closet,
and I will call again for them next year. The cut-off date for the
collection was Sept. 1. Thank you for your continued support.
Formal Wear Collection
