HomeMy WebLinkAbout14 - Committee to Honor the Fallen from 1st Marine Battalion 1st Marine DivisionCITY OF NEWPORT BEACH
CITY COUNCIL STAFF REPORT
Agenda Item No. 14
May 9, 2006
TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
FROM: Office of the City Manager
Homer L. Bludau, City Manager
949 - 644 -3000, hbludau @city.newport- beach.ca.us
SUBJECT: COUNCIL CONSIDERATION TO FORM A COMMITTEE TO STUDY
APPROPRIATE WAYS TO HONOR THE FALLEN FROM THE 1ST
MARINE BATTALION 1ST MARINE DIVISION OF CAMP PENDLETON
ISSUE:
Does the City Council want to form a committee to study ways of honoring the 1st
Battalion, 1St Marines ( "1/1 "), and if so, what should be the make up of the Committee?
RECOMMENDATION:
That a committee be formed with the following make up: one City Council member, 3
members from the existing 1/1 Committee, two members from the Parks, Beaches &
Recreation Commission, two members of the Arts Commission and one City staff
member.
BACKGROUND:
On December 9, 2003, the City Council took the unusual step of "adopting" the 1st
Battalion, 1st Marines, which is part of the 18t Marine Division normally resident at Camp
Pendleton. This action was taken in the context of there being numerous Newport
Beach residents who previously served in the Marines; in the context of the close
proximity of Camp Pendleton to our City; in the context of the occupation of Iraq by U.S.
military forces, with Marine forces playing a prominent role in both civic actions and
dealing with hostile forces; and in the context of Newport Beach residents having
generous spirits and wanting to reach out to help others.
Since December 9, 2003, the City Council and members of the Battalion have
participated in ceremonies within the Council chambers and in the two "Mess Night'
Consideration to Form a Committee to Study Appropriate Ways to
Honor the Fallen from the 1st Marine Battalion 1st Marine Division
May 9, 2006
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formal dinners. These two Mess Nights were coordinated by the 1/1 Committee. They
were financially supported and widely attended by members of the community.
Based on the initial City Council adoption of the Battalion, a support committee was
formed, chaired by then Mayor Steve Bromberg, with City staff Homer Bludau and Dick
Kurth also being Committee members. The primary purpose of the Committee was and
is to raise money to assist members of the Battalion and their families in times of
greatest need. For example, during deployment in Iraq the Committee has assisted in
purchasing baby needs, appliances, putting on events for wives and children,
purchasing plane tickets so family members could visit loved ones who were in extreme
need, furnishing rooms for Marines wounded in Iraq and other worthwhile endeavors.
During April, 2006, the Battalion suffered its first casualties in Iraq. To date, five
members of the Battalion have lost their lives (four of which were battle casualties).
One of those Marines grew up in Huntington Beach. The Battalion currently remains
among those units at the forefront of the military action.
Council Member Keith Curry requested at the Council meeting of April 25th that the City
Manager report to the City Council on his suggested make up of a committee that would
consider an appropriate way to honor the Marines of our adopted Battalion who have
made the ultimate sacrifice. The existing 1/1 Committee has discussed this concept
and favors it.
If the proposed new Committee is formed, it is the City Manager's recommendation the
Committee be given the Mission Statement of `To make a recommendation to the City
Council on the most appropriate way and the most appropriate location for the City to
honor those members of the 1/1 Marine Battalion for their ultimate sacrifice."
Submitted by:
Homer L. Blu u
City Manager