PROCLAMATION
Whereas, the first Black Marine Unit, known as the Montford Point Marines, trained at
Camp Lejeune, North Carolina and served in the Pacific in World War II with courage and
dedication in the face of discrimination and intolerance; and
Whereas, the heroism, commitment and valor demonstrated by the Montford Point
Marines changed the negative attitudes of the military leadership and distinguished their service as
courageous and honorable; and
Whereas, this past fall, the United States Congress awarded the Congressional Gold Medal,
our nation’s highest civilian honor, to the Montford Point Marines to recognize the extraordinary
sacrifice and dedication of these 20,000+ World War II African American Marines, over 350 of
whom are still alive today; and
Whereas, Palm Coast resident James Sharpe honorably served as a Montford Point Marine,
enduring untold hardships from 1946-1947 as a Private Rifleman, Corporal, Staff and Gunnery
Sargent in Guam and the Saipan Islands, inspiring future generations of African Americans in the US
Marines to stand tall and take their rightful places in the history and legacy of our nation; and
Whereas, James Sharpe proudly accepted the Congressional Gold Medal this fall in our
nation’s capital, recognized for his service for advancing the cause of freedom for the United States
despite the practices of segregation; and
Whereas, James Sharpe has resided in Palm Coast since 1988, serving his community as a
Founder, Vice President and Chairman of the Board for the African American Cultural Society and as
a member of the local Marine Corps League.
Now, Therefore, Be It proclaimed, the Palm Coast Mayor and City Council
acknowledge James Sharpe for his bravery and sense of duty to his country and proclaim
Wednesday, December 7, 2011, as
Montford point marine day
signed this 6th day of December 2011.
CITY OF PALM COAST, FLORIDA
Witnessed by:
Virginia A. Smith, City Clerk
Jon Netts, Mayor