The Royce Files

Molly Marine replica A salute to the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice serving in the US Armed Forces. This year let's tip the hat to the ladies who served in the Marine Corps.    Molly Marine has the distinction of being the first statue of a service woman in uniform in the United States. Erected in 1943 in New Orleans, the original statue was used to encourage women to join the Marines during WWII. Artist Enrique Alferez created the monument from a composite of a few female Marine models. More information here . 2 full sized replicas were later made and stand at Quantico, VA and Parris Island, SC- training centers for women Marines.  Pictured above is a small replica that I found at the local antique store. It probably sat in some Marine recruiter's office for years before findings its way to Moorhead. Actress Bea Arthur, famous for the TV programs "Maude" and "Golden Girls,"  joined the Marines a few months before Molly appeared. T...

A Fargo Mug o Matathon As the Fargo Marathon for 2018 approaches, I will for the first time since its inauguration not be imbedded in the event as a volunteer. Due to loss of work circumstances back in March, I made the decision not to commit to volunteer when I had no idea where I would land. Not having landed a job yet I checked the volunteer sign up website last week only to find it was closed. So just speculation as to whether they already got their volunteer quota or not. I did not ask- they have better things to do this week than answer my questions. Despite it being scorching hot in the lead up to the main races, it looks like it might be near optimal conditions (overcast with lo:42 hi:62) with some sprinkles. Friday night for the 5k looks like there will be potential rain. Depends on when that system enters town should be pleasant if it rains after dark. New this year is the Great American Mile. By the looks of it I would say it is marketing event- something to get th...