Marine Corps turns 230

Laguna Beach veterans gather to celebrate the branch’s birthday.The few and proud Laguna Beach Marines -- known as the “faithful old force” -- are set to celebrate 230 years of the Marine Corps on Nov. 10 at the Canyon Lodge American Grill.

The event is considered by one of its organizers, retired Col. Charles J. Quilter II, to be more important for Marines than Veterans Day.

The Laguna Beach Marines, which consists of around 80 local retired Marines and their families, have been gathering for 36 years to celebrate the event.

With ranks running from private to general, Marines will be adorned with medals and ribbons to carry out various traditions including a memorial ceremony for those fallen in combat and a celebration for those back from duty in Iraq.

This year’s guest of honor will be retired Maj. Gen. William R. Quinn, “one of our great Marine warrior-aviators,” Quilter said.

There are four or five Marines from Laguna Beach currently serving in Iraq, Quilter said.

“I can promise that Marines in Iraq will be doing this with whatever they can scrape up in the way of a feast. The only thing they won’t be doing is the ceremonial toast to the Corps,” said Quilter, who notes drinking is against regulations for those serving in the field.

“Marines are a close-knit group,” said Quilter, “I don’t think any of the other services celebrate their birthday like this.”

Quilter, a former aviator, served for 35 years and saw action in Vietnam, Operation Desert Storm, Bosnia and Operation Iraqi Freedom.

“For the rest of your life you are basically seen as a Marine or a former Marine,” said Quilter.

Retired Col. Harry Sexton, a former aviator and Vietnam veteran, looks forward to the event to reconnect with the Corps and those he served alongside.

Every year the commandant of the Marines writes a letter for the Corps’ birthday describing his feelings and how the tradition is doing, said Sexton, who is proud to be associated with the fighting force.

While serving two years in Vietnam, Sexton won the Navy Cross, the country’s second-highest award for bravery.

Laguna Beach has a strong link to the Marine Corps, as the city served as home for many stationed at El Toro Air Station.

When the base opened in 1942, Laguna Beach was the closest city, Quilter said.

Hotel Laguna served as officers’ quarters, summer homes were rented out to servicemen and the Sandpiper was almost exclusively a Marine bar.

The Sandpiper -- which has not changed in 50 years, Quilter said -- continues to display the unit patches of those who used to frequent it.

Notable Laguna Marines include Lt. Col. John Borq, who has recently returned from Iraq, and Lance Cpl. Ed Hanke, who is currently serving his second tour in Iraq.

Hanke received the Purple Heart after being wounded during his first tour, and he is serving with the unit that is the subject of the newly released film “Jarhead.”

Laguna Marines currently serving in Iraq are receiving a great deal of support from Lagunan Emily Quilter, who has made it her duty to e-mail all of them, send them packages when she can afford to, and worry until they are back on safe terrain.

The group will gather at the Canyon Lodge American Grill, formerly Ben Brown’s, at 6:30 p.m. Nov. 10.

Former Marines are encouraged to wear their “best availables” with medals or ribbons. Reservations may be made at (949) 499-9534. 20051104ipcrj5knEMILY QUILTER(LA)At last year’s Marine birthday party, Col. Charles Quilter cuts the cake with the Mameluke sword as Lt. Col. John Borq and Lance Cpl. Ed Hanke look on. Lisa Staight, mother of Lance Cpl. Kevin Staight, is seated on the left.