WHEREAS it is the intention of the Mayor and Council of Cherry Hill Township to focus attention on noteworthy individuals; and

WHEREAS the presentation of the Congressional Gold Medal, on the 69th anniversary of the Montford Point Marines, pays tribute and honor to the legacy of great men that served in the United States Marine Corps; and

WHEREAS the over 20,000 enlisted Montford Point Marines served our country with distinct honor and pride, as the first African American Marines to serve, paving the way for other minorities, creating a lasting impact on the culture of the Marine Corps, and propelling the success and efficiency of the Corps to its current status; and

WHEREAS we owe a debt of gratitude and respect to each member of the Montford Point Marines, many of whom paid the ultimate sacrifice, as others continued to dutifully serve both through their military and civilian lives; and

WHEREAS Arthur Carmichael and his fellow comrades provided unsurpassed leadership and dedication and positively impacted the scope of culture in the Marine Corps by beginning the abolishment of segregation in military branches; and

WHEREAS the Mayor and Council of Cherry Hill Township are proud and honored to celebrate Cherry Hill resident Arthur Carmichael, and all of the Montford Point Marines, for their service and dedication to the safety and freedom of United States citizens.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, CHUCK CAHN, by virtue of the authority vested in me as Mayor of the Township of Cherry Hill, County of Camden, State of New Jersey, do hereby proclaim August 20, 2012 as

Montford Point Marines’ Day

in the Township of Cherry Hill and do urge all citizens to join with me and Council in recognizing the Montford Point Marines on their 69th anniversary and receipt of the Congressional Gold Medal. Additionally, we thank them for their service and dedication to the freedom that we enjoy every day here in the United States of America.

_____________________________
Chuck Cahn
Mayor
August 20, 2012