Photo By Sgt. Joey Mendez | Marines, sailors and New Yorkers watch as The Commandant’s Own performs at Military...... read more read more
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Marines and sailors joined together to host Military Day as part of Fleet Week at Battery Park in New York, May 28, 2016.
The event is meant to give a little insight into who Marines are and what they do.
The day started with a physical training session ran by the recruiters of Recruiting Substation Manhattan. The recruiters invited local residents to join so they could get a little taste of Marine Corps training.
“We [did] a lot of [physical training] and it is very [difficult] and very tiring,” said Damaris Rocha, a New York native and Marine Corps officer candidate.
After the workout, the Marines showcased displays of the Marine Corps Martial Arts Program, combat vehicles, weapons, recruiting information and gear.
“Fleet Week is a time where we get to come here and basically show the American people what we do as Marines,” said Lance Cpl. Grayson Slater, a machine gunner with 3rd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment. “We are showing them our Humvees, our saber systems, Mark 19s, .50 caliber [machine guns], 81mm mortar systems and [semi-automatic sniper rifle] systems.”
Thousands of residents of the city flowed in and out of Battery Park to meet the Marines and take advantage of the photo opportunities.
“I like knowing why people joined and what they do and learning about their experiences,” said Linda Flood, a New Jersey resident. “Marines are probably the coolest people you can ever meet.”
The event ended with a special appearance from the Marine Corps Silent Drill Platoon and The Commandant’s Own.
“The Silent Drill Platoon and Drum and Bugle Corps were awesome,” said Sgt. Omar Iglesias, a motor transportation mechanic with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit. “It was one of the coolest things I’ve seen in the Corps in seven years of service.”
The Marines will continue to host events throughout New York and the surrounding area until May 30.
“Marines definitely are ‘The Few and the Proud,’” said Flood. “You [Marines] really just rock.”
| Date Taken: | 05.28.2016 |
| Date Posted: | 05.28.2016 21:10 |
| Story ID: | 199405 |
| Location: | NEW YORK, NY, US |
| Web Views: | 656 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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