St. Joseph community celebrates Marine Corps’ 251st birthday at Eagles Lodge

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (KQTV) -- Community members and veterans gathered at the Eagles Lodge Sunday evening to celebrate the Marine Corps' 251st birthday.

The St. Joseph Marine Corps League Detachment 180 marked the Marine Corps birthday with its annual celebration, honoring past and present Marines, and the families who stand with them.

Commandant Ron Williams, who served from 1986 to 1990, says the Corps instilled in him a sense of honor, commitment, and service to the nation.

The evening featured bagpipe performances from the Buchanan County Highlanders, and the presentation of Marine of the Year and Associate Member of the Year awards.

Williams says the Marine Corps is like a family.

"The Marines instilled into me a sense of honor and commitment and service to our nation and being with fellow Marines and other service members," Williams said. "It just feels like you're in a family. When we first moved here three years ago, we found the Marine Corps League and we joined it. We've been doing events with them for three years now. It's been fun. It's family."

The League meets the second Thursday of every month at 7 p.m. at the North VFW, and all veterans, associate members, and supporters are welcome.