By By MIKE VOSS
Contributing Editor
During simultaneous dedication ceremonies at 11 a.m. Saturday, the section of U.S. Highway 17 from Edenton to Holly Ridge was dedicated as the Marine Corps Highway on Armed Forces Day.
“This is an appropriate thing to do,” said Kevin Doyle, a 30-year Marine Corps veteran who retired with the rank of colonel, during the dedication ceremony held at Washington’s Veterans Memorial Park.
The designation of that section of U.S. 17 as Marine Corps Highway also recognizes the importance of the Marine Corps presence in eastern North Carolina, where Marines found the coastal areas and beaches the perfect places to perfect the strategy of amphibious assaults, for which the Marines are famous, Doyle said.
Having Washington as a way-station on that highway makes sense because an outlying landing field for Marine aircraft was once located at Washington.
“That’s the source of Warren Field today,” Doyle noted.
And if for no other reason, dedicating a segment of U.S. 17 has Marine Corps Highway is important because doing so commemorates the sacrifices that Marines and their families have made during the history of the Marine Corps, Doyle said.
Doyle noted the Marine Corps bases in eastern North Carolina were the first sites for the following:
• Predeployment training of Marines who were sent to the Pacific Theater.
• Development and refinement of heliborne assault tactics.
• Acceptance and training of the first black Marines.
• Acceptance and training of the first women in the Marine Corps.
• Training of reserve forces.
• Training of war dog
• Refinement of the V-22 Osprey.
Phil Mobley, director of Washington’s Parks and Recreation Department, welcomed an audience that included several former Marines to the ceremony.
“I’m a veteran, the son of a veteran. I’m doubly proud to be here,” Mobley said.
Mayor Archie Jennings said he is glad that Washington was chosen to help designate a section of U.S. 17 as Marine Corps Highway.
“We’re very proud to be one of the way-stations on the Marine Corps Highway,” Jennings said.
Similar ceremonies occurred in Edenton, Williamston, New Bern and Pollocksville. A second ceremony and a barbecue with entertainment was held in Jacksonville at 3 p.m. Saturday. The ceremonies were open to the public.
State House Bill 1021 designates a portion of U.S. 17 and a segment of U.S. Highway 70 as The Marine Corps Highway: Home of the Carolina-Based Marines Since 1941. The segment of U.S. 70 from its intersection with N.C. Highway 100 near Cherry Point Marine Corps Air Station and its intersection with U.S. 17 in New Bern also will be known as Marine Corps Highway.