The speaker for the 244th Birthday Celebration of the United States Marine Corps and the North Georgia Marine Corps Ball has been named as Judge George Patrick Murphy. The formal Ball will be held at North Georgia Technical College in Blairsville, Saturday, November 9.
Marine Corps League Lake Blue Ridge Detachment #1438 spokesman Dale Greene said Judge Murphy is a combat veteran of the Vietnam War and a retired United States Court of Appeals Judge from the seventh judicial circuit of Illinois. “Judge Murphy served in Vietnam as an assault infantryman in 1966-1967 during some of the earliest fighting in the conflict,” he said.
Murphy used the GI Bill to finish college and law school. Greene added, “Judge Murphy was a distinguished trial lawyer who was first appointed to the bench by President Clinton to serve as a US District Court Judge for the Southern District of Illinois and subsequently also served on the Court of Appeals.” Murphy retired as Judge in 2013 and now practices law with his wife, Trish, at the law firm of Murphy and Murphy in Illinois.
Green said a limited number of tickets are still available. The evening will include cocktails at 5:30 p.m., a birthday ceremony, complete with a piper and bugler at 6:30 p.m., and dinner at 7:15 p.m. Tickets cost $120 per couple or $70 per individual. Organizers say a cash bar will also be available and a live band will provide entertainment.
Tickets may be purchased at Folgers Gas on Highway 515 in Blue Ridge or First Place Trophies at 32 Town Square, Suite A in Blairsville. Attendance is limited so early purchase of tickets is encouraged.
Organizers invite all branches of service as well as friends of the Marines. Greene said appropriate military dress uniforms or formal attire is requested.
The Marines of Marine Corps League Lake Blue Ridge Detachment #1438 in Blue Ridge, Unicoi Detachment #783 in Blairsville/ Hiawassee, and Cherokee Detachment #1011 in Murphy, North Carolina are hosting the event.
Call Dale Greene at 404-273-2834 or email him at dalegreene74@gmail.com for more information about the ball.