Rutherford Weekly

Dozens of Rutherford County's U.S. Marine Corps members celebrated the 247th birthday of United States Marines at the Forest City Clubhouse recently. Across the US and the World, Marines refl ected on November 10, 1775, when the Continental Congress adopted a resolution to create a Marine force composed of two battalions. Since then Marines have continued to celebrate the Marine's loyalty both to the U.S. Marine Corps and to the United States. As members of the Marine Corps Chris S. Ebert Detachment #1221 gathered, two members of the Detachment received special recognition for their dedication to the corps. Marine Alan and wife Marie Marston are life members of the detachment as well as original charter members. "They have always been involved with this Detachment and continue to do so in its everyday operations," said Sgt. Major Don Barrett, commandant during the past year. Alan and Marie have held the positions of Commandant, Judge Advocate, Adjutant and have been the recipients of every award the detachment has to offer, Barrett said. Marie was the Veterans Service Offi cer for Rutherford County for more than 40 years and although no longer in that offi cial position, she continues helping veterans with advice and guidance to this day, Barrett said. In their honor, the Marstons will be fl ying out of the Asheville Regional Airport on April 29, 2023 as members of the Honor Flight to Washington, DC. They will join other veterans from Western North Carolina as they visit war memorials and other monuments. "It is a great honor to make the fl ight," Marie and Alan said. "We really appreciate the Marine Corps League and them giving us this very special opportunity. They are the best. We are just overwhelmed," the Marstons said. "After 40 years of working with veterans, it is really an honor to me," she said. Continued on page 3. As the sounds of the Ole' 74 Jazz band rang across the Town of Rutherfordton Saturday evening, more than 100 people stood around the courthouse lawn waiting for the lighting of the Christmas cedar tree. The ceremony was held after the annual Christmas parade. Mayor Jimmy Dancy reminded the crowd gathered for the traditional lighting ceremony, the tree is the largest living Christmas tree in North Carolina. From the gigantic Christmas tree comes a special glow of bright lights during the holiday season. During other times of the year, the tree is a place where children are often seen playing on the branches. Dancy was joined in welcoming the crowd to the annual lighting ceremony by Rutherfordton Town Council members Henry Giles, Doris Crute and Dr. Doug Sheets. After thanking the crowd for attending, Crute reminded the crowd "Jesus is the Reason for Christmas." After introductions, Rutherfordton Police Chief Clint Ingle announced Lt. Rick Gilbert was named Offi cer of the Year for the Town of Rutherfordton. Gilbert, standing on the courthouse steps with his wife, Frances, thanked the town for the honor, but said the Offi cer of the Year belongs to the entire department, not just one person. Dancy led the countdown as the bright yellow lights came on to the sounds of the Ole '74 Jazz band. The band was joined in some songs by vocalist Wendy Jones. Especially for the children she sang, "Santa Claus is Coming to Town." As the crowd was mingling, the band continued playing beautiful music as people strolled around town and simply seemed to enjoy the atmosphere. Santa Claus who rode in the annual parade just an hour earlier also strolled through the courthouse lawn greeting the children of all ages. ISSUE NO. 49 • December 8, 2022 ISSUE NO. 49 • December 8, 2022 • • RutherfordWeekly.com • 828-248-1408 RutherfordWeekly.com • 828-248-1408 Mon.-Fri. 8:00-5:45 • Sat. 8:30-4:00 596 South Broadway St., Forest City 828-245-3551 NEW SHIPMENT ATVS! NEW SHIPMENT ATVS! See Us For All Your Jewelry • Tools • Electronics Game Systems • Motorcycles • ATVs • Musical Instruments B&D'S B&D'S THRIFT & LOAN THRIFT & LOAN LAY-AWAY NOW FOR CHRISTMAS! LAY-AWAY NOW FOR CHRISTMAS! Large Selection of Appliances 30 Day Warranty! NOW OFFERING JEWELRY REPAIR! Story by Jean Gordon. Photos by Jean Gordon and contributed. Oh, Christmas tree, Oh, Christmas tree, how lovely are your branches how lovely are your branches Our 30 th Year • Over 25,000 Weekly Readers IN GOD WE TRUST! IN GOD WE TRUST! Local detachment celebrates Marines 247th birthday Local detachment celebrates Marines 247th birthday living out living out their motto, their motto, Semper Fidelis- Always Faithful Semper Fidelis- Always Faithful Story by Jean Gordon. Photos contributed. Alan and Marie Marston received recognition. Ole '74 Jazz band entertained the crowds at the Rutherfordton Tree Lighting ceremony Saturday evening on the courthouse lawn. Vocalist Wendy Jones joined the band on several songs. Laughter, smiles and good food all a part of the 247th birthday bash.

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