EARLIER THIS month, I attended the Marine Corps Passage of Command ceremony in Washington with several of my classmates from Boston College High School. We saw one of Massachusetts’ own, General Joseph Dunford, become the 36th Commandant of the Marine Corps. While there were many dignitaries in attendance, including the secretaries of defense and navy, we did not observe one elected official from Massachusetts. In addition I don’t believe any Boston media outlet reported on this event.
This is unfortunate. Forbes magazine has listed General Dunford as one of the top 50 influential leaders in the world. The son of a Boston police officer, General Dunford grew up in South Boston and Quincy, graduated from BC High in 1973 and married Ellen Sartucci from Hingham.
General Dunford deserves recognition in his home state for the sacrifices he and his family have made for our country over the last 37 years. May he stay safe for the next four years as he leads 200,000 brave Marines around the world.