News14.com

  79º

You are not signed in  |  Sign in here  |  Help

You're viewing a lite version of news14.com

Time Warner Cable customers: Sign in with your TWC ID for video access.

Get my TWC ID. | Get TWC service. | Read the FAQ.

Updated 08/26/2010 08:56 PM

Montford Point Marines Day held in Jacksonville

By: Smitha Rao

  To view our videos, you need to
enable JavaScript. Learn how.
install Adobe Flash 9 or above. Install now.

Then come back here and refresh the page.

JACKSONVILLE, N.C.— It's a special way to honor some black World War II veterans.

Last month a senate resolution named August 26 Montford Point Marines Day. It's the 68 Anniversary of the day when the first black marines began to train at Montford Point. Several marines turned out for the day and were honored by the recognition.

About 20,000 black marines trained at Camp Johnson between 1942 and 1949, which brings a special feeling for those who have served.

"To see a Senate Proclamation bring it to the national level, and to be here where you know they trained so long ago, it's really special," said Gen. General James Conway, US Marines.

Senator Richard Burr sponsored a resolution to designate August 26 as Montford Point Marines Day. A national monument honoring the Marines is in the works.