After nearly a month of fielding suggestions online, Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island has settled on a name for its new mascot.
The English bulldog puppy who will represent the depot at graduation ceremonies and other on-base events will be called Legend.
The name was chosen by Brig. Gen. Lori Reynolds, Parris Island's commanding general, from hundreds of suggestions submitted through the base's Facebook page, said Gunnery Sgt. William Lisbon, base spokesman.
"Rather than trying to name him after a single exemplary Marine or piece of equipment, his name reflects the ... significant reputation the Marine Corps has as the world's finest and deadliest fighting force," base officials said in a statement. "There is only one word that adequately captures all of that -- legend."
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Other suggestions included "Dakota" for recent Medal of Honor recipient Sgt. Dakota Meyer, "MoH" for the medal itself, and "Ira" for Cpl. Ira Hayes, who famously took part in the flag-raising on Mount Suribachi in 1945.
Like mascots before him, Legend will step into the infamous yellow footprints outside the depot's receiving building but will not receive a rank until he completes his own version of basic training, a regimen consisting mainly of housebreaking and obedience instruction, base officials have said.
Legend replaces Sgt. Archibald Hummer, who died in his sleep Sept. 7 at age 5. Hummer had been the mascot since 2006 and was the first dog to earn the rank of sergeant in about 20 years, according to base records.
Legend is the latest in a long line of mascots at Parris Island, starting in 1915 with Mike, an Irish terrier. A memorial to Mike sits across from the commanding officer's quarters and is the oldest monument on the base.
Follow reporter Patrick Donohue at twitter.com/OnBaseBeaufort.
Related content:
Parris Island fields suggestions for new mascot's name, Sept. 29, 2011
Memories of Parris Island mascot will dog Marines, Sept. 8, 2011
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