Happy Birthday to the United States Marine Corps!

Ladies, what does this really mean? Is it a reminder to decorate the hall, plan our hair and nails, and wonder if we can still fit into that special dress? Perhaps it’s time for a shopping trip, for something new! But maybe this birthday invokes a different sentiment. The USMC Birthday is an opportunity to gather with our auxiliary and league family members. Yes, we get to transform the hall with candles, crepe paper, and balloons, and it’s okay if my hair and nails are just fine. I’m sure I can find something suitable to wear. Whether it’s a casual get-together with birthday cake or a formal ball, there can be joy and camaraderie at every gathering.

You may not have someone to go to the birthday celebration with. How would I feel going ‘stag’? Do I really want to be around other couples when the other half of my couple is not here? Thankfully, we have our sisters in the Auxiliary – there is always someone to sit with, share a meal with and reminisce with about past birthday ball celebrations.

November is also the month when we honor our veterans, especially those no longer with us. If you’re on the East Coast or planning a visit, I highly recommend attending the Veterans Day ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery. Our Banner Bearers, Karen Mastriania and Tammy Rivera, do an outstanding job at the Parade of Flags, a key part of the event. Following the ceremony, various veterans’ organizations will lay wreaths at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. On Veterans Day the Military Order of the Devil Dogs Chief Devil Dog will present the wreath with the MCL Commandant and, for Memorial Day, the Auxiliary will participate with the MCL Commandant. Additionally, the public is welcome to attend both events as spectators. I look forward to representing the MCLA at these ceremonies and encourage you all to attend as circumstances permit —these events are truly bucket-list worthy!

Before we shift our focus to Thanksgiving, please ensure your unit/department treasurers have sent the necessary transmittals to headquarters. Also, we are currently updating the Bylaws and Administrative Procedures with the changes voted on at the National Convention. I’m confident that Jr. Vice Darlene MacCubbin and Past President Linda Chamberlain will have these ready soon, including any housekeeping corrections that needed to be made. Personally, I love having the flash drive with the Bylaws on it. That way I can simply delete the old copy, download the new one and I am ready to proceed. Furthermore, if you notice anything unclear in the Bylaws or Administrative Procedures, please do not hesitate to reach out to your chain of command. Chances are, if you have a question, others do too. We want to ensure everything is clear and understandable. Equally important, if you feel you need training on any topics that you are reading about, don’t think twice to ask your chain of command for support—someone on staff likely has experience and would be able to provide that training to you and others.

Finally, mark your calendars for the Mid-Winter National Conference, scheduled for February 27th to March 1st, 2025, at the Sheraton Pentagon City in Arlington, Virginia. The room rate is $131.00 per night, plus tax, with a parking fee of $10 per day. Online registration is now available on the MCL website (https://www.mcleaguelibrary.org/conference), so don’t wait until the last minute to book your reservation. You, your unit or department may want to consider placing an ad in the program book, but remember the deadline is February 4, 2025. Don’t let the holiday rush distract you from voting on your ad submission!

Wishing you all a blessed Thanksgiving. Please keep in your thoughts and prayers those who may be alone in our communities and overseas.

Warm regards,

Dotty Sanning

[email protected]