PARRIS ISLAND (WACH / AP) -- It's been nearly 70 years since women officially became part of the Marine Corps, and Parris Island is honoring their service with a day of events dedicated to them.
According to the Beaufort Gazette, (http://bit.ly/wiuO0s) Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island will celebrate Monday with a morning colors ceremony, tours of Parris Island and other events.
Last year, Parris Island is the only Marine base where enlisted female Marines train. Brig. Gen. Lori Reynolds became the first woman in the depot's 97-year history to serve as its commanding general. Its 4th Recruit Battalion trains female Marine recruits.
Making up only 7 percent of the Corps, women officially became part of the Corps in February 1943 with the establishment of the Marine Corps Women's Reserve.
(The AP Contributed to this story)
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