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Montford Point Marines honored in new Detroit mural

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Detroit Marine Mural depicting Montford Point Marines
Lamar Harrington, commandant of Marine Corps League Montford Point Detachment 158, addresses the crowd at an unveiling ceremony for the mural painted behind him during Marine Week Detroit, Sept. 9, 2017. Marine Week Detroit is an opportunity to connect with the people of the greater Detroit area and thank them for their support. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Danny Gonzalez

DETROIT, Sept. 11, 2017 — At a ceremony outside the Marine Corps League building here Sept. 9, a group of Marines unveiled the mural they spent more than 100 hours painting during Marine Week Detroit.

The mural was painted on the side of the League’s Montford Point Detachment 158 building by 5 Marines assigned to Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Detroit. The mural depicts the history and accomplishments of the Montford Point Marines, who fought in a segregated Marine Corps from 1942-49.

“The big importance is just the Montford Point Marines,” said Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Meghan Millott, one of the mural artists. “We have the past Marines from Montford Point, and then we have the present Marines, and it shows how far we’ve come as far as segregation and gender equality, and it means a lot.”

The Marines on the mural team said they were honored to give back to the community and highlight the history of the Marine Corps.

“Our unveiling ceremony is a core event of our Marine Weeks, wherever we go,” explained Marine Corps Brig. Gen. William H. Seely III, director of Marine Corps communication. “It is a physical and enduring reminder of what your Marine Corps does, but it’s also a small gift to say ‘thank you’ for what you have done for your community.”

Marine Week Detroit kicked off Sept. 6 and concluded yesterday. Marine Weeks bring Marines to cities across the country that typically wouldn’t have firsthand interaction with the Marine Corps and allows Marines to highlight the purpose and mission of the Corps while giving back to communities.

By LCpl. Samantha Bray

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