Marine Corps Celebrates Legacy And Dedication Of African American Marines

The United States Marine Corps Transforms 'The Line' in Honor of Black History Month

Celebrates the Legacy and Dedication of African American Marines

QUANTICO, Va., -- The United States Marine Corps (USMC) is introducing a new multimedia campaign entitled "The Line," connecting the past to the present this Black History Month. This unique campaign utilizes the distinctive "line" of red piping embroidered on the Marine Corps uniform as a visual element to trace the decades of continuous service and leadership African Americans have dedicated to our Corps and country. "The Line" creative includes Web, print and TV extensions and will be featured nationwide during the month of February.

"The Marines featured in our campaign stand as an inspiration not only to their brothers and sisters currently in uniform, but also the generations of Americans who have benefited from their courage," said Lieutenant Colonel Brad S. Bartelt, assistant chief of staff for advertising, Marine Corps Recruiting Command.

In "The Line" campaign, a timeline is employed to showcase noteworthy moments and stories of African Americans in the Marine Corps. Beginning in 1942 with the first African American Marine Corps recruits and continuing to present day, the red "Line" weaves throughout the creative elements to symbolize the unbroken legacy of dedication that connects all Marines.

Two inspirational stories featured throughout the campaign are those of Frank Petersen, the first African American Marine pilot and Marine Corps General and Charles Bolden, the first African American Marine astronaut and current Administrator of NASA. The legacy of these men has positively impacted not only the Marine Corps, but the entire nation.

"Marine Corps history is American History," said Lieutenant Colonel Bartelt. "Every accomplishment and success achieved by these brave men and women is done not for personal recognition, but for the love of our country, which they seek to move forward. We honor that dedication this February and every day of the year."

As part of "The Line" campaign, a 30-second television spot will begin airing on national broadcast networks February 1. A six-page spread will also appear in the February issues of JET magazine. In addition, print ads featuring Lieutenant General Petersen and Major General Bolden will run in national publications, including Ebony, American Legacy andBlack Enterprise.

A complementary online component of "The Line" will also be available on Marines.com, offering visitors the opportunity to interact and learn more about the involvement of African Americans in the United States Marine Corps. The campaign will also feature banners and Web page takeovers.

"The Line" campaign was developed in conjunction with leading multicultural advertising agency, UniWorld Group.

For more information on the Marine Corps, its legacy and opportunities available, visit www.OURHISTORY.MARINES.COMor call 1-800-Marines.

SOURCE The United States Marine Corps