Tag Archives: Marines’ Memorial Association

75 Years in the Making: The “Voice” Of Marines’ Memorial

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An item from a fellow veterans organization in the Bay Area.

Marines' Memorial: 75 Years in the Making

Last month, we went through the many faces of our Lobby– the “heart” of Marines’ Memorial. This month, we’ll take a look back at our “voice”– the Crossroads of the Corps!

75 Years of Crossroads of the Corps Magazine

Crossroads Covers

The Bulletin, debut edition from 1946

Since 1946, the Crossroads of the Corps has often been referred to as the “voice” of the Marines’ Memorial Club, but it hasn’t always been the multi-page publication we know today.

Prospective members first heard of our Living Memorial when they received the first newsletter sent out by the Marines’ Memorial Association in November 1946, titled “The Bulletin.” Volume 1, Number 1 was a four-page publication informing readers of the upcoming Grand Opening of the Club and the festivities they were invited to. It contained a brief review of the Club’s origin and purpose and, quite possibly the most important part, a call from Major General Rockey urging Marines to support their brand-new Living Memorial as well as the instructions for obtaining membership.

From its humble four-page beginnings, the monthly “Bulletin” grew in both size and content. By the Spring of 1947, readers enjoyed a bevy of Club news full of photographs and passionate descriptions of Marines’ Memorial services and activities. One short year later, Crossroads of the Corps was born in April of 1948.

Crossroads cover with Sgt Reckless

1956 Crossroads cover

During the 60’s, the newsletter, still published monthly, returned to reporting only news of the Club. By 1969, donations and membership dues eliminated the need to supplement production and printing costs with ad sales. (Ad sales started again in the early 2000’s and were eliminated shortly after.)

The publication we are all familiar with was born in the Winter/Spring edition of 1980. Crossroads became a full-color, glossy publication that was then sent out quarterly. Although the name, design and contents have evolved over the last 75 years, the purpose of our “voice” remains the same: to inform members and donors about their Club, a meeting place once referred to as Crossroads of the Corps, its activities and the impact you make through your support.

Fall 2001 Crossroads cover

A peek inside a Crossroads from 1956

1956 inside of Crossroads

A peek inside a Crossroads from 1987

1987 edition, inside Crossraods

The Bulletin - 1947
Winter 1975 Crossroads cover
First Crossroads after 9/11
Winter 2021 Crossroads cover
1981 Crossroads cover
1992 Crossroads cover

What’s your favorite Marines’ Memorial memory?  Visit HERE to read other members’ memories and share your own! You can also email your memory and Club photos to Anniversary@MarinesMemorial.org.  Thank you for being a part of our legacy. 

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Marines’ Memorial Association & Foundation

609 Sutter St.

San Francisco, CA 94102

Copyright © 2020, All rights reserved

 

A Memorial Day tradition…

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An item from a fellow veterans organization in the Bay Area.
Dear Michael Barbour,
Honor and gratitude are two sides of the same coin.
This upcoming Memorial Day, we honor the ultimate sacrifice made by brave servicemen and women, and show our gratitude for their sacrifice by keeping their legacy alive.
I have no doubt you share our gratitude by honoring Memorial Day in your own way.
My Gift To Honor Our Fallen Heroes
In 1946, the Marines’ Memorial was founded as a Living Memorial to honor the sacrifices of those who gave their all in service to our Country after World War II. Now, 75 years later, we continue to stand tall to remember and honor all who have served.
As you know, 2020 was a year like no other. The COVID-19 pandemic paralyzed our financial stability as we saw an 82% decline in our organization’s revenue. Truthfully, we were fearful that our 75 years and 12 floors of honoring the legacy of military service would be brought to an end after a single, devastating year, but supporters like you didn’t let that happen.
Yet, we don’t back down from a challenge, and neither do so many of you, who give generously to keep our mission alive.
I know you appreciate the sacrifices of our fallen heroes and remain faithful to our Country and to our military. Of the gifts we received in 2020, 11% were given to our Living Memorial. We’d like to make our brothers and sisters proud by humbly reaching 15% in Living Memorial contributions to honor their legacy. This Memorial Day, if you are able, would you consider giving a gift to help us continue to commemorate those who sacrificed their lives defending our freedoms?
Give Now
Your contribution to the Living Memorial will help us honor the legacy of military service around every corner — from the Lobby displays presenting the history of the Marine Corps to our Tribute Memorial Wall, a humbling salute to those lost during the War on Terror.
We put 100% of your donations directly into programs that Commemorate, Educate and Serve so that this generation and future generations can honor our fallen heroes and show their gratitude.
Thank you for giving generously.
Gratefully and Semper Fi,
LtGen Michael A. Rocco, USMC (Ret)
President and CEO
P.S. You can immediately honor and assist our service members past and present through a contribution online by clicking here.
Marines’ Memorial Association & Foundation
609 Sutter Street, San Francisco, CA 94102, 415.673.6672 Copyright © 2021, All rights reserved
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Always faithful means…

Leave a reply

An item from one of our fellow veterans organizations in the Bay Area.
Dear Michael Barbour,
Honor and gratitude are two sides of the same coin.
This upcoming Memorial Day, we honor the ultimate sacrifice made by brave servicemen and women, and show our gratitude for their sacrifice by keeping their legacy alive.
I have no doubt you share our gratitude by honoring Memorial Day in your own way.
My Gift To Honor Our Fallen Heroes
In 1946, the Marines’ Memorial was founded as a Living Memorial to honor the sacrifices of those who gave their all in service to our Country after World War II. Now, 75 years later, we continue to stand tall to remember and honor all who have served.
As you know, 2020 was a year like no other. The COVID-19 pandemic paralyzed our financial stability as we saw an 82% decline in our organization’s revenue. Truthfully, we were fearful that our 75 years and 12 floors of honoring the legacy of military service would be brought to an end after a single, devastating year, but supporters like you didn’t let that happen.
Yet, we don’t back down from a challenge, and neither do so many of you, who give generously to keep our mission alive.
I know you appreciate the sacrifices of our fallen heroes and remain faithful to our Country and to our military. Of the gifts we received in 2020, 11% were given to our Living Memorial. We’d like to make our brothers and sisters proud by humbly reaching 15% in Living Memorial contributions to honor their legacy. This Memorial Day, if you are able, would you consider giving a gift to help us continue to commemorate those who sacrificed their lives defending our freedoms?
Give Now
Your contribution to the Living Memorial will help us honor the legacy of military service around every corner — from the Lobby displays presenting the history of the Marine Corps to our Tribute Memorial Wall, a humbling salute to those lost during the War on Terror.
We put 100% of your donations directly into programs that Commemorate, Educate and Serve so that this generation and future generations can honor our fallen heroes and show their gratitude.
Thank you for giving generously.
Gratefully and Semper Fi,
LtGen Michael A. Rocco, USMC (Ret)
President and CEO
P.S. You can immediately honor and assist our service members past and present through a contribution online by clicking here.
Marines’ Memorial Association & Foundation
609 Sutter Street, San Francisco, CA 94102, 415.673.6672 Copyright © 2021, All rights reserved
Forward to a Friend

75 Years in the Making: Our Lobby, The Friendly Welcome “Home”

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An item from a fellow veterans organization in the Bay Area.

Marines' Memorial: 75 Years in the Making

Last month, “Marines’ Memorial- 75 Years in the Making” took you through the history of our 12th floor. While that may be the crown jewel of the Club, the Lobby is the heart! Many of you know the names of the employees that greet you as you walk in. It is where grandchildren run into the arms of their grandparents as they arrive for their annual Holiday stay at the Club. It’s where you’ve stood, waiting for the elevator, admiring the uniforms, formal gowns, and tuxedos of fellow Birthday Ball attendees. You’ve stopped to sign Care Package greeting cards, admired the many Living Memorial displays, shared the story of the Bell of the USS San Francisco, and where you say goodbye to your Club…but only until next time. 

Marines’ Memorial Lobby: A Friendly Welcome “Home”

Lobby photo

Lobby Hat Check

In the building’s 94-year history, the lobby has changed dramatically. In the 1920’s, during the Western Women’s Club era, the lobby was used as a registration area for the Navy WAVES program and welcomed the many young servicemen in uniform, but that is as far as they got! They would meet their dates in the lobby then be off to explore San Francisco.

For our Benefactor members, one of the perks of their lifetime membership has been their name emblazoned on plaques in the Lobby. Currently on our 3rd rendition, our newest Benefactor display debuted in 2018. The beautiful new Benefactor, Patriots Circle, and Guard displays were created to recognize and thank some of our most dedicated supporters.

Marines and Benefactor Wall

Image

Another addition of this century is one of our prized possessions and guests’ favorites: The Bell of the USS San Francisco, a ship which supported Marines, Sailors and Airmen in the Pacific Theatre in World War II, most notably in Guadalcanal and Pearl Harbor. The bell was moved to the Marines’ Memorial Lobby in 2004 and that is where it will stay.

Just like those who helmed the Marines’ Memorial before us, we will continue to renovate and upgrade the lobby to meet the times and needs of our guests. We promise to always ensure your first steps into the Club continue to be inspirational, poignant, and welcoming.

 

“We were in awe after stepping foot in a place with such profound respect for the US military. We had no idea it existed in San Francisco, of all places.” -Anonymous Review

1947 Lobby

Lobby Visitors in recent years

Western Women's Club Register Article

Lobby

Lobby

Dog Friendly Lobby

What’s your favorite Marines’ Memorial memory?  Visit HERE to read other members’ memories and share your own! You can also email your memory and Club photos to Anniversary@MarinesMemorial.org.  Thank you for being a part of our legacy. 

Donate Join or Renew
Facebook Instagram YouTube Web Site

Marines’ Memorial Association & Foundation

609 Sutter St.

San Francisco, CA 94102

Copyright © 2020, All rights reserved

A Warrior’s Servant Leadership

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A newsletter from a fellow veterans organization in the Bay Area.

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Attacking Global Poverty and Political Partisanship the Marine Recon Way

Jake Harriman is leading from the front of major issues with the same determination and courage as he did as a recon platoon leader in Iraq and Africa. He spoke with PBS NewsHour Special Correspondent and Marines’ Memorial Board member, Mike Cerre, on the concept and real-world tests of servant leadership.

Leading from the Front

About Leading from the Front:
Our monthly video series shares timeless leadership lessons learned by a variety of professionals, thought leaders and experts on the front lines of today’s major leadership challenges in all walks of American life.

Conducted virtually from the Marines’ Memorial Club, these timely and insightful conversations are a digital extension of the major lectures and events that normally take place at our 12-story hotel, theater, event spaces and restaurant in downtown San Francisco.

The viewpoints expressed are those of the participants and not necessarily the Marines’ Memorial. 

Click here to view previous episodes:

  • Leading from the Very Front with Gen Joe Dunford, USMC (Ret), former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
  • Leading Side-by-Side with Men- Naval Post Graduate School President Vice Admiral Ann Rondeau USN (Ret)
  • Baseball’s Leadership Crisis with Covid- LtCol Sandy Alderson, USMC (Ret), NY Mets President and former advisor for the Oakland A’s.
  • Military’s Lead in Racial Equality- Former Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps Carlton Kent joins M.K. Palmore, former Marine Captain and F.B.I. Special Agent
  • Leadership and Governance- Jim Webb: Former Senator, Presidential Candidate, and bestselling author of Fields of Fire
  • Technology Leadership- Don & Adam Faul’s transitions from the Marine Corps to Silicon Valley
  • Leading Through Covid- Retired flight surgeon and Stanford ICU, Dr. Dean Winslow on what it will take to get past Covid
Marines' Memorial Association & Foundation

Marines’ Memorial Association & Foundation

609 Sutter St.

San Francisco, CA 94102

Copyright © 2020, All rights reserved