Posts: :London
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Author: GySgt Catimon, MSG Det London
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Source: MSG Bn Home Page
https://www.msgbn.usmc.mil/?pg=articles.asp&id=49
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MSG Det London supports boxing charaity
On the night of June 16th
, MSG Detachment London had the honor of attending a charity-boxing
match at the Royal Landcaster hotel. The Marines were asked to perform
a color guard before the event as well as the singing of our national
anthem. Sergeant's Charles Culp, Daniel Erickson, Jonathan Munson, and
Gabriel Simmons were the detachments' color guard for many different
events and this night was no exception. However, when asked, Corporal
Leotra West was excited and willing to sing our national anthem in
front of the large crowd. The detachment commander, Gunnery Sergeant
David Catimon is always thrilled when his Marines are eager to
participate in community activities such as this one. "I think this is
another great opportunity for the Marines to get out there and perform
for the community and to meet some of the local population."
The event was one of many
charity events that the New York Police Department (NYPD) and the New
York Fire Department (NYFD) attend each year. The night began with a
color guard ceremony conducted by both the British Royal Marines and
the Marines of Detachment London. Following the color guard, there was
a performance of each nations national anthem in which Cpl West sang a
heart filled rendition of the "Star Spangle Banner". On this night,
their competitors were the members from the London Metropolitan Police
Department (LMPD) and some members of the NYPD and NYFD. All of the
money raised would go to the widows of LMPD officers. The tickets,
drinks, t-shirts, and even betting on each bout raised funds for the
event. There were ten bouts consisting of three rounds each. The
American competitors were enthusiastic and determined to defeat their
counter parts however determination was not enough for the skilled
Englishmen. Falling to LMPD by two bouts to eight. When asked after the
event, the American fighters agreed that it was not about winning but
raising money for a great cause.
A social time was held
after the event where the Marines could meet some of the local
businessmen along with some of the British Royal Marines. "There is
something about the feeling you get, something I can not put into
words, when a Royal Marine walks up to you and says Semper Fidelis"
says Sgt Munson. At the end of the night all of the Marines went home
with a feeling of gratification having felt satisfied with the
experience.
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