Montford Point Marine Association
PRESS RELEASE
NOVEMBER 1, 2010
MONTFORD POINT MARINE
ASSOCIATION (MPMA) Launches a Nationwide Funding Campaign to Build Memorial at
Memorial Park in Jacksonville, NC
By Monument Director –
Huston T. Shinal
MPMA to construct a
Memorial Honoring 20,000 Montford Point Marines
November 1, 2010 –
Jacksonville, NC – MPMA announced today, it has initiated a nationwide funding
campaign to construct a commemoration memorial to honor 20,000 Montford Point
Marines. These Marines of color, trained on the hallowed grounds of the then,
Camp Montford Point. Those Marines lead the charge with combating racial
inequality and dismantling bias perceptions during WWII. The Montford Point
Marines went on to fight for the “Right to Fight” along with and beside their
counterparts. Many of those determined Marines made the ultimate sacrifice for
their country.
The Monument’s, design
of (3) concentric rings symbolizes the ripple effect caused by the Montford
Point Marines, in the Marine Corps and in society of the times. The Montford
Point Marine memorial displays a balance for education, inspiration and provides
the environment for groups to openly communicate change. The monument will honor
over 20,000 African-American Marines also serve as a reminder of their
sacrifices.
National President of
MPMA James T. Averheart said, during a commemoration on Aug. 26 2010. “The
Memorial will stand proudly as a physical manifestation of the value in
perseverance in the face of adversity”
Sen. Richard Burr,
R-N.C. Said “The Montford Point Marines lead the way for future generations of
African-Americans….” “Their bravery and perseverance should be remembered as an
example of patriotism and loyal service despite the significant challenges they
faced”
General James Conway,
Commandant of the Marine Corps stated, on that same occasion “For 60 years,
these old training grounds at Monford Point, North Carolina, have reminded us of
the courage, determination, and perseverance of the young men who once stood in
formation here”. He added “Today we honor them and commemorate this acreage so
future generations will know the score of what Happened here”.
The National Association
of Montford Point Marines has secured a location at the Memorial Park located in
Jacksonville NC. At the intersection of Montford Landing Rd. and NC Hwy 24, to
be placed adjacent to the Beirut, Vietnam Veterans, and the 9-11 Memorials.
By Monument Director
Huston T, Shinal
(850)499-6727
