WHEREAS, James “Daddy Wags” Wagner was born in South Philadelphia and graduated from Stella Maris Grade School and St. John Neumann High School, Class of 1963. While attending high school Jim received the award for Outstanding Athlete of the Year for both soccer and baseball; and
WHEREAS, Following high school Jim served six years in the United States Marine Corps. He served two tours of duty in the Republic of Vietnam and was assigned to the 9th Marines/3rd Force Recon Unit and the 26th Marines. His exploits as a recon combat warrior are a matter of history as Jim was awarded several Purple Hearts for wounds received under hostile fire. He also received Presidential Unit Citations, Vietnam Service Awards and numerous other awards and citations for honorable and dedicated service while a member of the Marine Corps; and
WHEREAS, Jim is the proprietor of “Cookies Tavern,” a well known South Philadelphia landmark. Every year “Daddy Wags” throws a spectacular party at Cookies on November 10th to celebrate the birthday of the U. S. Marine Corps. This event is attended by current and former Marines who come in from all over the globe; and
WHEREAS, The Commandant’s Award is given to Mr. Wagner in recognition not only of his bravery under combat conditions but a lifetime of dedicated service to fraternal and charitable causes, including the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation, Marine Corps Law-Enforcement Foundation, Marine Corps League, Marine Corps Toys for Tots Campaign and various veteran service organizations and local community charities too numerous to mention; now therefore
RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That we honor and congratulate James “Daddy Wags” Wagner, the recipient of this year’s Commandant’s Award to be presented by General James L. Jones, Commandant of the United States Marine Corps at the 27th Annual Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation Ball on April 27, 2002.
FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Mr. James Wagner as evidence of the sincere sentiments and recognition of this legislative body.
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