December 1st | 2:00 PM
Chatham County, GA –
The National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force is proud to host a special event on December 1st at 2 pm to commemorate Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day. Sponsored by the Navy League of Savannah, this event will feature keynote speaker Colonel Mark D. Bortnem, along with readings, music, and a special tribute to Pearl Harbor survivors and WWII veterans.
We invite you to join us for this special occasion with a Two-Bell Ceremony and presentation of a flower wreath to honor those who fought valiantly for our country. This program is free and open to the public. Let us come together to pay our respects and show our gratitude to the brave men and women who served our country during WWII.
About Colonel Mark D. Bortnem | Commanding Officer of Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort
Colonel Mark D. Bortnem grew up in Milford, MI, and has been a Marine for over 30 years, first enlisting in the Marine Corps in 1991.
As an enlisted Marine, Colonel Bortnem served as a Supply Administration and Operations Specialist in Camp Lejeune, NC, before being selected for the Marine Enlisted Commissioning Education Program. From 1994 – 1998, Colonel Bortnem attended The Ohio State University, where he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant, ending his time as an enlisted Marine and beginning his career as an officer. Colonel Bortnem has served in a variety of global locations, including the Pacific region, the Middle East, and the Arctic. He has nearly 3,000 flight hours, including more than 500 hours of combat time.
Colonel Bortnem is a graduate of The Ohio State University (1998, BA Political Science) and the US Air Force’s Air War College (2021, MA Strategic Studies).
In July 2023, Colonel Bortnem assumed command of Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort.
About the Navy League of the United States
The Navy League of the United States is a worldwide organization dedicated to supporting our nation’s sea services (US Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, and US-Flagged Merchant Marine) and educating our leaders and citizens about the importance of a strong maritime policy. To learn more visit www.savannahnavyleague.us. 501(c)3 Organization.