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HONORING THE YOUNG MARINES, THE OFFICIAL YOUTH PROGRAM OF THE UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS.
Whereas, the Young Marines is a youth education and service program for boys and girls, focusing on promoting the mental, moral, and physical development of its members, including character building, leadership, and encouraging a healthy, drug-free lifestyle; and
Whereas, the Young Marines is the official youth program of the United States Marine Corps and the focal point for the Marine Corps' Youth Drug Demand Reduction efforts; and
Whereas, the Young Marines is open to all youths, ages eight through the completion of high school, with the only membership requirement being that the youth must be in good standing at school; and
Whereas, since the Young Marines' humble beginnings in 1958, with only one unit, the organization has grown to over two hundred and forty units with ten thousand youth and three thousand adult volunteers in forty-six states, the District of Columbia, Germany, Japan, and affiliates in many other countries; and
Whereas, Young Marine units are community-based programs lead by dedicated adult volunteers, many of whom are former, retired, active duty, or reserve Marines who believe that the values they learned as marines had a positive affect on them. It is through these caring adults that the Young Marines learn the inner values of honor, courage, and commitment; and
Whereas, the Young Marines of Parris Island began their planning stage in January 2004, and the first class began training in May 2004, with thirty-six young marine recruits; and
Whereas, the first class of the Young Marines of Parris Island graduated on August 28, 2004. The unit has since graduated five other classes, with a total of one hundred ninety-four graduates, the last class graduating on December 1, 2007. The first honor graduate was Private First Class Donald Garland, who at the present time is on active duty in the United States Marine Corps. Now, Therefore,
Be it resolved by the Senate:
That the members of the South Carolina Senate, by this resolution, do honor the Young Marines, the official youth program of the United States Marines.
Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be forwarded to the Young Marines of Parris Island.
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