Children, service members give thanks

CAMP KINSER , OKINAWA, JAPAN

11.22.2013

Story by Lance Cpl. Matt Myers 

III Marine Expeditionary Force   

CAMP KINSER, Japan - Marines and sailors with Combat Logistics Regiment 35 brought holiday cheer to the Tai Chu En Children’s Home Nov. 22, celebrating the Thanksgiving holiday and feast with the home’s residents.

The event had an American Thanksgiving themed, according to Lt. Cmdr. Harvey Macklin, the command chaplain with CLR-35, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, III Marine Expeditionary Force.

“The liaison for the (children’s home) talked about how we could show some of our American culture so Thanksgiving was perfect for us because that’s a very big day in America,” said Macklin. “The school thought this would be a good relationship builder.”

The Marines and sailors taught the children about Thanksgiving traditions and brought them holiday cheer and cross-cultural awareness.

“We called it a traditional Thanksgiving because we had our Marines and family members put together Native American and pilgrim headbands,” said Col. Anthone R. Wright, the commanding officer of CLR-35. “We really wanted to show the Japanese students here what Thanksgiving was like when it was created in the United States.”

The children learned about Native Americans and pilgrims, and colored Thanksgiving-themed pictures.

Following the arts and crafts, the children were served a traditional Thanksgiving dinner. It was the first Thanksgiving feast for most of the children and many of the staff.

“For many of the children here, this is the first time they have ever had turkey,” said Macklin.

During the feast, the children were shown a Thanksgiving cartoon that illustrated the first and most famous Thanksgiving in Plymouth, Mass., a celebration similar to their own.

“The Marines have been doing a great job,” said Yoshi Yehera, a staff member at the children’s home. “Everything they do makes the children and staff happy.”

The service members and children shared equal feelings of holiday joy and happiness.

“We’re definitely bringing holiday spirit and cheerfulness to these kids,” said Sgt. Marion Davis, the regimental ammunition chief with CLR-35. “Seeing the kids laughing, smiling and having a good time makes it all worth it.”

• Date Taken: 11.22.2013
• Date Posted: 11.25.2013 23:58
• Story ID: 117375
• Location: CAMP KINSER , OKINAWA, JP