version 2.0 10 November 2007

PO BOX 1871 ORLEANS MA 02653

PREAMBLE

In the name of the beneficent God of all, we who have honorably served, or are now honorably serving our country in the United States Marine Corps, for the common good of this Nation, and all the nations and people of our world, and in order that the fundamental rights and freedom of every person may be preserved, to foster interest in the affairs of the United States Marine Corps, to protect and advance the welfare of wounded and disabled Marines and their dependents, and for the further purposes set forth hereinafter, do solemnly and firmly associate ourselves together in a nonprofit corporation known as the "Marine Corps League" and order and establish these By Laws and Administrative Procedures. . .

BRIEF HISTORY OF THE MARINE CORPS LEAGUE

The Marine Corps League is a Marine organization comprised of members who have honorably served or are now serving in the United States Marine Corps or the Marine Corps Reserve. Specific membership qualifications are set in the National Bylaws. The League is not a new organization. It was established in New York, June 1923 during a reunion of Marines of the First World War. It was chartered by an Act of Congress August 4, 1937 and authorized to assist and aid in presenting claims before the Veterans Administration by Public Law #243 passed, by the 74th Congress.

PURPOSES OF THE DETACHMENT

1. To preserve the traditions, promote the interest and perpetuate the history of the United State Marine Corps and by fitting acts to observe the anniversaries of historical occasions of particular interest to Marines.

2. To band those who are now serving or served at least ninety days in the United States Marine Corps and those who have been honorably discharged from that service together

in fellowship, that they may effectively promote the ideals of American freedom and

democracy.

3. To fit its members for the duties of citizenship and to encourage them to serve ably as citizens as they have served our nation under arms.

4. To hold sacred the memory and history of the men who have given their lives to the Nation.

5. To foster love for the principles which they have supported by blood and valor since the founding of the Republic.

6. To maintain true allegiance to all American institutions.

7. To aid voluntarily and to render assistance to all Marines, uniformed and civilian, as well as their widows and orphans.

8. Participate in parades whenever it is feasible and agreed upon by the membership.

9. Attend funeral and memorial services for fallen comrades and provide firing and flag presentation services at burials when requested by families.

10. Become involved in the Marine Corps annual "Toys for Tots" drive on Cape Cod.

11 Sponsor the Marine Corps Birthday Ball for the Cape and Islands members and guests.

LEAGUE MEETINGS

The League will meet monthly at a location and date that will be convenient for most members.

LEAGUE DUES

Annual dues and fees, if any, will be set by the National Convention Budget and Finance Committee and the Detachment. Members will be considered delinquent when such dues are not received by National Headquarters by the date due. In addition to the National dues, a portion of the total goes to the Mass. State Dept of the MCL and a portion is retained by the detachment. After being a member for one year, members may elect to become Permanent Life Members by payment of a one-time fee, set by National Headquarters. The detachment may adjust the detachment dues if approved by a vote of the membership.

ELECTION OF OFFICERS

(a) All Officers serving in elected offices must be Regular Members of the Detachment in which they are elected to serve. At the will of the Detachment, Associate Members may serve in appointive offices only, in accordance with Article Six, Section 600b of the National Bylaws."

Once the officers are voted in by the membership, their term will begin upon installation. Installation must be conducted no later than the last day of the month subsequent to the election. The term of office for Commandant, Sr. Vice Commandant, Jr. Vice Commandant and Judge Advocate shall be one year. Their term in office can be extended for another year if re-nominated and subsequently approved by the membership at the September election. After serving two terms, the above officers must vacate their office for at least one year before being eligible for election to the same office. Other officers may serve without limit, but they must be re-elected or re-appointed each year.

(b) All elected officers and the Jr. Past Commandant will serve as trustees of the corporation. Their names will be reported to the Mass. Secretary of State on the annual report. Other trustees may be appointed in accordance with Massachusetts law.

DETACHMENT OFFICERS AND THEIR DUTIES

DETACHMENT COMMANDANT: Directs Marine Corps League activities of his community, presides at all Detachment meetings, serves as advisor to all committees of his Detachment and is in direct charge of all functions of his Detachment. He administers the Oath of Membership to all new members of his Detachment after he has been officially sworn into Office by the Department Officer or any Officer deputized for the purpose by a National or a Department Officer.

DETACHMENT SENIOR VICE COMMANDANT: Shall give every assistance to the Detachment Commandant and during the absence or illness of the Detachment Commandant perform the duties of that Office. He shall assist all committees and, with their assistance, initiate and implement such dynamic programs as wiII increase the effectiveness of the Marine Corps League.

DETACHMENT JUNIOR VICE COMMANDANT: Shall create and promulgate such membership incentives and programs as will engender enthusiastic response that will result in continuous membership growth. He is charged with the principal responsibility for recruitment of active new members and retention of existing members. He may direct and supervise any designated recruitment officer(s) in the detachment. In the absence or illness of the Detachment Commandant and the Detachment Senior Vice Commandant, he shall perform the duties of that office.

DETACHMENT JUDGE ADVOCATE: Shall interpret the Detachment Bylaws, Department Bylaws, and the National Bylaws (the latter two (2) in the event there are no Detachment or Department Bylaws). He shall advise, construe, counsel and render

opinions on questions of law and procedure to the Detachment Commandant during

meetings. Make decisions on the local level in disputes or if unable to do this refer the problem to the next higher echelon of the Marine Corps League, i.e. Department or National if no Department exists.

JUNIOR PAST DETACHMENT COMMANDANT: Shall contribute generously and impartially from past experience to the best interests of the Marine Corps League. Other Past Commandants shall also be invited to contribute similarly to the Detachment

DETACHMENT ADJUTANT: Shall keep a true record of all meetings, typewritten or neatly handwritten in ink in a ledger or log book; keep a record of all members and forward notices of meetings, events, etc., of the Detachment to the membership and work closely with the Paymaster to maintain an up-to-date membership file of the Detachment's active (paid up) and inactive (delinquent) members. The Adjutant shall also handle and keep a record of Detachment correspondence, including e-mail, as directed by the Detachment Commandant and perform such duties as directed by the Commandant. The Adjutant will insure that the annual report required by the Mass. Dept. of State is filed each year.

DETACHMENT PAYMASTER: Shall keep a true record of all monies received and expended by the Detachment and in close cooperation with the Adjutant prepare an up-to-date record of dues paid by the membership and forward notices to members when their dues have lapsed and also such other duties as may be assigned by the Detachment Commandant. The Paymaster will insure that a Federal Tax Return is filed each year, as required by the IRS.

DETACHMENT ADJUTANT AND PAYMASTER: The above offices of ADJUTANT and PAYMASTER may be combined wherein the duties of both would apply.

DETACHMENT CHAPLAIN: Shall perform such duties at meetings as prescribed in the League Ritual Manual, take an active part in all memorial and funeral services in which the Detachment participates, visit the sick and perform such other duties as directed by the Detachment Commandant.

DETACHMENT SGT.-AT-ARMS: Shall preserve order at all meetings and perform such other duties as are required by the Detachment Commandant. He will fulfill all duties prescribed in the Marine Corps League Ritual manual.

DETACHMENT AUDITOR: The Detachment Commandant will nominate and appoint a Detachment Audit Committee, consisting of at least three members, who will review and audit income, disbursement, and procedural activity of the League on an annual basis.The results will be presented to the Commandant and Paymaster and to the

membership. If a conflict arises, an outside accounting firm should be hired and brought in to resolve any conflicts. The outside firm should be contracted by the Commandant, or his designee.

The Commandant reserves the right to appoint other officers and committees as needed.

SUGGESTED ORDER OF BUSINESS FOR LEAGUE MEETINGS

1. OPENING CEREMONY: It shall be the duty of the Sgt-At-Arms to arrange the quarters; to place a Bible upon the altar; at the close of all occasions he shall return all equipment to its proper place. He shall also conduct the advance and retirement of the Colors. (Commandant may call for Marine Hymn at any point in the ceremony).

COMMANDANT: Sgt-At-Arms, secure the quarters and satisfy yourself that all present are qualified to be present during the deliberations of this Detachment (Department or National) session.

SGT. -AT-ARMS: Aye, Aye, Sir. The quarters are secured and all present are qualified to remain. (If persons present are not qualified, the Sergeant-At-.Arms will report accordingly).

If an open meeting, visitors would be assumed to be qualified to remain. If prospective members are present, they should (may) be taken outside the meeting room until the point in the Order of Business where they will be called into the meeting to be initiated).

COMMANDANT: Sgt-At-Arms, advance and post the Colors and lead us in the Pledge of Allegiance.

SGT-AT-ARMS: Aye, aye, Sir. (All persons wearing League hats will execute hand salute as Colors are advanced; those not covered will execute civilian salute (Hand over Heart). Before Colors are to be advanced, the Commandant shall give two (2) raps of the gavel to call all present to standing position. One (1) rap of gavel shall be the signal to be seated).

COMMANDANT: The Chaplain will lead us in prayer.

CHAPLAIN: Uncover (those wearing caps will uncover and place their cap over their heart, holding the emblem to the top). "Supreme Commandant, we ask Thy blessing upon all here assembled. We pray for guidance in our deliberations, and that we may here exemplify the

principles and purposes of our beloved Marine Corps league. We ask Thy protection and

blessing for Marines who have died in the Service of their Country; and for all our members, both past and present. Grant that the Marine Corps League may grow and prosper in the humane purposes and principles upon which it is founded. Amen. Cover. (Commandant, by one rap of gavel, seats the Detachment).

COMMANDANT: Sgt-At-Arms, declare this meeting open for the transaction of official business.

SGT.-AT-ARMS: By authority of the Commandant of Detachment 955 (Department of Massachusetts or Marine Corps League), I declare this meeting open for the conduct of official business.

2. ROLL CALL OF OFFICERS

3. ARE THERE ANY APPLICATIONS FOR MEMBERSHIP?

4. BALLOTING ON APPLICATIONS FOR MEMBERSHIP - To be approved by a majority vote of those present and qualified to vote. Either voice vote or secret ballot may be used.

5. CEREMONY OF INITIATION (full or abridged form depending on size of Detachment, time and circumstances). NOTE: Items 3, 4 and 5 may be omitted if no new applicants are present or if no new applications for membership are presented.

6. MINUTES OF .PREVIOUS MEETING

7. CORRESPONDENCE

8. REPORT OF PAYMASTER

9. REPORT OF ANY MEMBER OR MEMBER'S FAMILY SICK OR IN DISTRESS

10. REPORT OF OFFICERS

11. REPORT OF STANDING COMMITTEES

12. REPORT OF SPECIAL COMMITTEES

13. UNFINISHED BUSINESS

14. NEW BUSINESS

15. CEREMONY OF INSTALLATION OF OFFICERS (at proper time of year according to Bylaws) NOTE: Installation meetings may be open to the public if desired. If so, it is recommended that all regular business be omitted by motion and meeting adjourned following ceremonies.

16. GOOD OF LEAGUE

17. ANNOUNCEMENTS

18. CLOSING CEREMONY:

COMMANDANT: There being no further business, we will proceed to close. The Detachment will stand silent in respect for our deceased members. (Commandant gives two raps of gavel. Adjutant, without orders, reads the names of members, who died during the twelve months preceding the meeting).

COMMANDANT: Sgt-At-Arms, retire the Colors.

SGT.-AT-ARMS: Aye, aye, Sir. (All present covered, execute hand salute; others, civilian salute, as the Colors are retired).

COMMANDANT: The Chaplain will lead us in prayer.

CHAPLAIN: Supreme Commandant, we humbly beseech Thee to bless what good we have accomplished and forgive that which we have done amiss. As we separate to go our several ways, we commit ourselves to Thy loving care. Amen.

COMMANDANT: Vice Commandant, perform the last duty of your post.

VICE COMMANDANT: Marines, the detachment thanks you for your attendance and requests that you secure new members and further that you favor us at every future meeting with your presence, so far as your circumstances permit.

COMMANDANT: Sgt-At-Arms, declare this meeting of the Detachment, Marine Corps League, officially closed.

SGT.-AT-ARMS: By authority of the Detachment Commandant, Marine Corps League, I

declare this meeting officially closed until (date) when it will be reopened for the transaction of official business.

COMMANDANT: (gives one (1) rap of gavel -- meeting adjourned)

In addition, the bylaws should be reviewed by the Officers, or their appointed representatives, from time to time as required to keep them up to date. The revisions must be consistent with the National Bylaws and are subject to approval by the Mass. Dept. Judge Advocate.