Photo By Gunnery Sgt. Matthew Bragg | Young Marines from around the nation stand by the headstone at the National Memorial...... read more read more
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HONOLULU — Young Marines from across the nation traveled to Hawaii from Dec. 4, 2013 through Dec. 9, to participate in several events and commemorate the 72nd anniversary of the attacks on Naval Station Pearl Harbor.
The Young Marines is a national nonprofit organization for boys and girls that promotes the mental, moral and physical development of its members. The youth education and service program focuses on values such as leadership, teamwork and self-discipline.
A total of 67 Young Marines ages 8 to 18, landed safely and immediately began execution of their busy schedule by participating in a beach clean up at Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe Bay as part of a Malama Ka Aina.
The following day, the Young Marines traveled to the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific and conducted a wreath laying ceremony to honor service members who are interred there.
“This is a way for them to show respect to the veterans who are still living and to the veterans who have passed on,” said Michael Guiles, Young Marines director of Training and Education. “That’s what it’s all about for the kids, and it helps push them forward to do better things.”
Young Marines lined up in a formation as Mike Kessler, national executive director and chief executive officer of the Young Marines, lined up with Young Marines leaders as they formally laid a wreath at the headstone of the memorial.
After the ceremony ended, Young Marines toured the memorial to learn about the veterans who were laid to rest there.
“It’s humbling to be here, because it gives a deeper meaning to the saying ‘freedom is never free,’” said Albert Villalobos, a Young Marine with the Pfc. Bruce W. Carter Young Marines Unit in Margate, Fla. “There’s a lot to be thankful for in our service members. I hear people complain about their (air-conditioner) being broken, and they don’t realize there are guys fighting in 100-plus degree weather to give them that luxury of having an AC.”
On Dec. 7, service members, veterans, families and passing tourists gathered at Fort DeRussy in Honolulu for a ceremony commemorating the 72nd anniversary of the attacks on Pearl Harbor. Service members from all of the armed forces were present and gave honor to the veterans and survivors of Pearl Harbor who were in attendance.
Young Marines and Navy JROTC cadets presented each veteran with a lei and thanked each of them for their service.
“It’s an honor to attend and be included in such events that are part of the Pearl Harbor commemoration,” Kessler stated in a press release.
“Our youth members meet survivors of that historic event 72 years ago, and such meetings leave invaluable positive impressions.”
Upon the conclusion of the ceremony, service members, Young Marines and other youth member programs lined up on Kalakaua Avenue with veterans as they prepared to start the Pearl Harbor Memorial Parade.
Each of the Young Marines units led the parade as they marched down the streets carrying the banners of the 12 ships attacked on Dec. 7, 1941. Marine Forces, Pacific Band followed them while playing various songs, most notably “The Marines’ Hymn.”
“The Young Marines marched in the parade last year and handled the banners of the ships,” Guiles explained. “For them to march in the parade again this year alongside veterans is an incredible opportunity. They’re walking next to those who were a part of the ‘infamous day’ they’re representing, and that’s a surreal experience.”
| Date Taken: | 12.13.2013 |
| Date Posted: | 12.16.2013 13:42 |
| Story ID: | 118276 |
| Location: | HONOLULU, HI, US |
| Web Views: | 74 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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