BOSTON -- Marines with 1st Battalion, 25th Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division, participated in the Disabled American Veterans 5K run at Fort Independence on Castle Island in Boston, Nov. 12, 2016.
The run was part of several events that 1/25 partook in to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Marine Corps Reserve and to recognize the long-standing bond between the state of Massachusetts and the Marine Corps Reserve.
“It is pretty special to be a part of the Marine Corps Reserve Centennial,” said Cpl. Joseph Espinola, anti-tank missileman, Weapons Company, 1st Battalion, 25th Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division. “Growing up I did not come from a military family, but joining the Marine Corps was something I always wanted to do. It feels good to part of 100 years of history.”
Established in the early 1920’s in Boston and known as “New England’s Own”, 1/25 has played an essential role in conflicts from World War II through the Global War on Terrorism. The unit fought throughout history including in the Island Hoping Campaigns to include Kwajalein, Saipan, Tinian, and Iwo Jima. They played a critical role during Iwo Jima earning them a Presidential Citation.
After they returned from their service in Korea, the battalion was reorganized on July 1, 1962, as 1st Battalion, 25th Marines, 4th Marine Division, and continued to be activated multiple times, to include supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.
The run was an opportunity for local residents to thank the Reserve Marines for their dedication to the country and celebrate their legacy throughout the past 100 years.
“We are excited to have the Marines here today and want to congratulate the Marine Corps Reserve on their 100-year anniversary,” said Daniel Stack, chief executive officer for the DAV department of Massachusetts.
The 300 Marines kicked off the 5K in true Marine Corps fashion with Brig. Gen. Paul K. Lebidine, commanding general of 4th Marine Division, leading the formation run. Bystanders and other participants cheered on the Marines as they started and finished the race.
This event was part of a year-long calendar of commemorative celebrations across the county to recognize the Centennial of the Marine Corps Reserve. Other Boston area events were the Plymouth Hall Concert, the flag raising at the Iwo Jima Remembered in the New England halftime show, and a Veterans Day wreath-laying ceremony.
Reserve Marines throughout the U.S. marked 100 years of the Marine Corps Reserve on Aug. 29, 2016.
Since Sept. 11, 2001, more than 86, 300 Marines from the Marine Corps Reserve have been mobilized in support of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Today approximately 500 Reserve Marines are providing fully integrated operational support to fleet and combatant commanders around the world. For more information on the history and heritage of the Marine Corps Reserve as well as current Marine stories and upcoming events, please visit www.marines.mil/usmcr100.