Chartered in 1997, the Smoky Mountain Detachment is comprised of retired, honorably discharged Marines and FMF Navy Corpsman, as well as Associate members who hold the traditions and heritage of the Marine Corps in high esteem, who are interested in camaraderie, helping fellow Marines, Marine widows, kids, and service to the community.

The League is a veterans organization of U.S. Marines. It is composed of Marines with honorable service. It aims to perpetuate the traditions and spirit of the U.S. Marine Corps through the continuous association of Marines who served under the Globe and Anchor at any time, in war or peace. The one and only membership qualification is honorable service in excess of 90 days in the Marines. This means that, regardless of rank held, regardless of when or where a Marine served, regardless of what Division or Wing he may or may not have served with, that Marine, male or female, is welcome in the Marine Corps League.

A common trait of League members is the spirit of Semper Fidelis, the spirit of being "always faithful" to the Country, the Corps, and to their fellow Marines, in service and out. So deep it this ingrained in members that, long after most have hung up the uniform for the last time, they still dare call each other "Marine." Each seems to hold the League slogan as a personal truth, that of "Once a Marine--Always a Marine." Being a Marine is what it's all about. John A. Lejeune, who founded the Marine Corps League in 1923, put this first above all else. Although he was the Major General Commandant of the Corps, a decorated hero of the First World War, and the former Commanding General of the victorious Second Army Division, he said his first claim to fame was, "I am a Marine!" All his other attainments came farther down the list. There was nothing more important to him.

The U.S. Congress felt that the purposes of the Marine Corps League were so valid that in 1937 it granted the League a federal charter. League members know a special bond of comradeship unique to those who have worn the Marine Emblem. The members look after one another and assist the widows and orphans of their Marines. They observe national holidays such as Memorial Day and Veterans Day, and days of special interest to Marines like "the Birthday." Perhaps the Marine Corps League performs its most important service on the local level through programs of benefit to the communities. Many detachments, recognizing a need, embark on special programs to help advance their towns and cities. The Marine Corps has continuously stood in the forefront of our country. The Marine Corps League stands at the forefront, too, serving in our hospitals, helping our communities, working with our youth, and assisting our Marines and veterans. Its members realize some of the greatest rewards of life, those of friendship and the sense of individual and group fulfillment.

Should you join the Marine Corps League? If you're a Marine, the answer is "Yes!" Because you are needed in the ranks.

Marine Corps League,
Smoky Mountain Detachment 973
PO Box 1454
Franklin, NC 28734
mcleague973@gmail.com
(828) 342-2024