My Day: “The Gator”
The greeting said “Welcome to the Black Marine Reunion , Silver Legacy Resort Casino, Reno, Nevada”.
Reunion host this year was James and Gloria Hutcherson, both retired from the United States Marines. Reno, Nevada, is known as t Paul’s Solemn (Serious) Charge to
Timothy in View of Paul’s Departure
II Timothy 4:1-8 he ‘biggest little city in the world”, and now the marines had landed in their town. People stopped what they were doing to say ‘hello’ and thank them for their service. It was great!
The chairman of this group is Robert L. Wallace, USMC, Retired, who gave me a bit of history. When they decided to start this organization, we did not know of any archives at Marine Corps Headquarters that detailed the service and contribution of the black marine other than the Montfort Point Marines. Montfort Point was the training ground for the first Marines in 1943 as Marine Drill Instructors. Post 1943, and after the desegregation of the Marine Corps in 1950, there is no proper documentation of the body that led the advancement of Blacks in the Marine Corps.
The Friday Night Program was in military time, to-wit: 1700 – 1800 Cocktail Hour. Color Guard entry 1800, Color Guard Ceremony with Bag Piper, 1805. Memoriam with TAPS. At 1830 Master of Ceremony Bill Dozier, also known as “the Gator” took the microphone. You know, when an alligator is in the mix, he is definitely noticed and demands your full attention. Everybody at the reunion called him “Gator” and nobody would share with me the meaning behind the name. Huh. As you can well imagine, “The Gator” opened with a round of jokes. After announcing that he was instructed to ‘keep-it-clean”, which I earnestly believe he attempted to do, had some non printable and irrepeatable jokes. He was obviously a “pro” at this position and enjoyed every moment of it. Listed at 1845 was introduction of Guest Speaker, Ester Davis. This was a challenge for me because of all the groups I have spoken to, this group had been everywhere, done everything, served their country with honors, sacrificed, survived and was now enjoying “star status”. It was indeed an honor for me and I am still humbled that they would consider me and my work worthy of this occasion. I had fun.
Just before the lavish banquet dinner “Gator” introducted some special guests. The General Manager of the Silver Legacy Resort and with him was a member of his staff who was also a former Marine. Stay tuned to next week’s article. I am still trying to get the printable story behind “The Gator” name. My sincere thanks to this magnificent group and to the “dancing” Bag Piper. Had a grand ole time.
Watch . . . more of Ester Davis Show on
Black Premier Television, Channel 30.8.
www.esterday.com
