22.05.12
Young Marine, 13, promotes new local group
Dec 05, 2011 (The Evening Sun - McClatchy-Tribune Information Services via COMTEX) --
With a bark of "fall in," and the hustle of black boots against a tile floor, the group of young men and women lined up an arm's length from each other.
From the shine of those boots to the condition of their fatigues and the straightness of their hats, they were inspected and given a brisk nod of approval.
There was a recitation then, voices joining in unison to sincerely promise to set an example for youth, to never bring dishonor or disgrace to God, their country, their flag, their parents or themselves.
Like all the other members of the Hanover Area Young Marines, 13-year-old Cpl. Dylan Despines takes that vow seriously.
It's more than that, he says. "It's what I live by."
Dylan is one of eight members of the Hanover Area Young Marines, a youth education and service group for girls and boys ages 8 through the completion of high school. The group started about three weeks ago and holds meetings each week at the West Manheim Township municipal building.
Source: Middle East North Africa Financial Network