The Dedication of a Memorial Marker for Samuel Nicholas, First commandant of The United States Marine Corps.

June 1, 2013 at Friends Meeting House, 3rd and Arch Streets, Philadelphia, PA

On November 5, 1775, Samuel Nicholas was commissioned a “Captain of Marines” by the Second Continental Congress. Five days later Congress authorized the formation of two battalions of marines for service against the British. With the official birth of the Continental Marines (later US Marine Corps), Nicholas had his appointment confirmed on November 18 and was commissioned as a captain. Quickly establishing a base at Tun Tavern, he began recruiting Marines for service aboard the frigate Alfred (30 guns). Working diligently, Nicholas raised five companies of Marines by the end of the year. This proved sufficient to provide detachments for the ships of the Continental Navy then at Philadelphia.

Calvin Books, Retired Sgt. Major 3rd Battalion, 25th Marines

Field Music Trumpeters Lloyd Spangler and Dan Fitzpatrick of the Smedley Butler Detachment play Taps

Col. John C. Church, Jr., USMC Reserve, Lt. Col. Henry A. Detering, USMC Retired

Honored Guests, Representing Marine Corps League National, Judge Advocate, Ben Cero, Representing Marine Corps League Northeast Division, is National Vice Commandant, Northeast Division, Dennis Tobin. Kay Kroll National Credential Officer, Representing the Dept. of PA is the Department of PA Commandant, Neal B. Corley.

MC and Commandant Fred LeClair from the host, Chester County Detachment, introduces the Honored Guests

Nancy Gibbs, Past Director of the Arch Street Friends Meeting House

MC Fred LeClair introduces our next speaker Col. John C. Church, Jr., USMC Reserve

Col. John C. Church, Jr., USMC Reserve, Professor of English and Communications at Immaculata University and Past President of Valley Forge Military College. His decorations include Meritorious Service Medal, with 2 gold stars, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with 2 gold stars, Army Commendation Medal, The Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, the Combat Action Ribbon.

Col. Church's wife, Mary Kay, retired as a Marine Major. His father is a retired Marine Corp Colonel. Col. Church and his wife have 4 children, not yet old enough to be Marines. Col Church will talking about why this day is important.

Lt. Col. Henry A. Detering, USMC Retired. Col. Detering entered the Marine Corps in October 1967. His decorations include Distinguished Flying Cross, Bronze Star with a Combat V, and 18 air medals, Meritorious Service Medal, a Navy Commendation Medal with Gold Star, and a Combat V and a Purple Heart.

Col. Detering retired after serving as the Commanding Officer of Heavy Helicopter Squadron 461. Col. Detering telling us about the life of Samuel Nicholas.

Detachments are represented by their Color Guards. Delaware County Detachment, Smedley Butler Detachment, Dutch Helwig Detachment and the Chester County Detachment

Kay Kroll National Credential Officer holing the wreath, presenting it to Col. John C. Church, Jr.

Col. John C. Church, Jr. laying wreath at the marker for the1st Commandant of the United States Marine Corps, Samuel Nicholas

MC Fred LeClair saying a brief prayer following the wreath laying ceremony.

Left to right: Neil Corley, Dept. of PA Commandant, Ben Cero National Judge Advocate, Dennis Tobin, Northeast Region Commandant, Col. John C. Church, USMCR, Lt. Col. Harry A. Detering, USMC Retired, Fred LeClair, Chester Co. Det. Commandant, Kay Kroll National Credential Officer and Earle Drake, Dept of PA District Vice Commandant

1st Commandant of the United States Marine Corps | Samuel Nicholas