Friday, November 9, 2012

Happy 237th Birthday USMC


The Continental Marines were the Marine force of the American Colonies during the American Revolutionary War. The corps was formed by the Continental Congress on November 10, 1775 and was disbanded in 1783. Their mission was multi-purpose, but their most important duty was to serve as on-board security forces, protecting the Captain of a ship and his officers. During naval engagements Marine sharpshooters were stationed in the fighting tops of the ships' masts, and were supposed to shoot the opponent's officers, naval gunners, and helmsmen.

In all, there were 131 Colonial Marine officers and probably no more than 2,000 enlisted Colonial Marines. Though individual marines were enlisted for the few American naval vessels, the organization would not be re-created until 1798. Despite the gap between the disbanding of the Continental Marines and the current organization, the United States Marine Corps celebrates November 10, 1775 as its birthday.

In accordance with the Continental Marine Act of 1775, the 2nd Continental Congress decreed:
“ That two battalions of Marines be raised consisting of one Colonel, two lieutenant-colonels, two majors and other officers, as usual in other regiments; that they consist of an equal number of privates as with other battalions, that particular care be taken that no persons be appointed to offices, or enlisted into said battalions, but such as are good seamen, or so acquainted with maritime affairs as to be able to serve for and during the present war with Great Britain and the Colonies; unless dismissed by Congress; that they be distinguished by the names of the First and Second Battalions of Marines. ”

These two battalions were initially intended be drawn from George Washington's army for the planned invasion of Halifax, Nova Scotia, the main British reinforcement and supply point. In reality only one battalion was formed by December, with five companies and a total of about 300 men. Plans to form the second battalion were suspended indefinitely after several British regiments-of-foot and cavalry, supported by 3,000 Hessian mercenaries, landed in Nova Scotia, making the planned amphibious assault impossible. Washington was reluctant to support the Marines, and suggested that they be recruited from New York or Philadelphia instead.

The Continental Congress Establishes a Corps of Marines November 10, 1775, was officially recognized as the birthday of the United States Marine Corps through Marine Corps Order No. 47 in 1921. The order proudly states:

"From the Battle of Trenton to the Argonne, Marines have won foremost honors in war, and in the long eras of tranquility at home, generation after generation of Marines have grown gray in war in both hemispheres and in every corner of the seven seas, that our country and its citizens might enjoy peace and security."

Monday, November 5, 2012

Earl C. Kincaid, Jr - RIP


Sadly, we must report that Earl C. Kincaid, Jr., SAR member, passed away on November 4th. Please offer your condolences and prayers for Earl and his family during this difficult time.
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Earl Calvin Kincaid Jr. , 86
Ocala - Earl Calvin Kincaid Jr., 86, died on Sunday, November 4, 2012.
He was born in Henderson, Kentucky on March 7, 1926, the son of Marge Kellums and Earl Kincaid of Illinois. He attended schools in Illinois. He lived in Illinois, California and Nevada before moving to Florida in 2005. He was married three times, first to Linda Smith. They had three children, Earlin, Ernest and Susan. Of his second marriage to Muriel Woodruff there were no children. He was married to Jean Hazel Kincaid in 2005 in Ocala, Florida. He was a veteran of World War II, serving in the United States Army in the Philippines and in Ft. Churchill, Canada.

Earl was a retired carpenter and a member of Carpenters Local 1765. He was also a talented artist, painter and loved making canes and clocks. He was a member of the Sons of the American Revolution and Temple Beth Shalom. He loved playing the harmonica and enjoyed being around his step-children and their families. He was interested in genealogy, photography and loved reciting The Cremation of Sam McGee which he learned while stationed during World War II in Ft. Churchill, Canada. He loved to travel and loved speaking Filipino which he learned while stationed in the Philippines during World War II. He loved classical music and the ballet. He was also a taxidermist by trade.

He is survived by his wife Jean Hazel Kincaid; and his three children, Earlin Landers, Grand Junction, MI, Ernest Kincaid, Garden Grove, CA and Susan Kincaid, California; sister, Rosalie Demont of Orange, CA and brothers, Richard Kincaid, East Moline, IL and George Kincaid, Geneseo, IL; stepchildren, John Davis, Ocala, Graham Davis, Riverview, FL, Russell Davis, Jacksonville, FL, Cindi Neel, Bartlesville, OK and Gregory Davis, Carrollton, GA; granddaughter, Stephanie Kincaid, numerous nieces, nephews, several step-grandchildren and step-great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held Thursday, November 8, 2012 at 11 a.m. at Hiers-Baxley Funeral Services, 5946 SE Robinson Road, Belleview with visitation one hour prior. Burial will be at Florida National Cemetery, Bushnell, FL. In lieu of flowers donations to Alzheimer's' Association or to the Cancer Society would be appreciated.

Online condolences may be made at:

www.hiers-baxley.com.