dr. jim wright, and dr. wright is an american historian, the president emeritus of dartmouth college and a marine. my name is bucky peterson, and i'm a director emeritus on the marines memorial association board of directors. before we begin, a few quick words about the marines memorial. the marines memorial association is a nonprofit veterans organization chartered to honor the memory of and commemorate the valor of members of the united states armed forces who were killed, lost or who died in military service. among its list of duties, amongst the list of duties for marines memorial association is we're responsible for maintaining this extraordinary club, the marines memorial club, as a living memorial to those who have gone before and to pay tribute to those who carry on. to learn more about our organization, visit our web site at www.marineclub.com. and before we begin, please, take a moment to turn off your cell phones as i just did and any other noisemakers that you may have. and while you're doing that