Kubasaki High School JROTC helps commemorate the History and Heritage of the USMC’s 242 Birthday during Uniform Pageant

Photo By Sgt. Tayler Schwamb | CAMP FOSTER, OKINAWA, Japan – Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps Instructor Ken Gipson proudly stands for the national anthem during the 242nd United States Marine Corps Birthday Cake Cutting and Historical Uniform Pageant Ceremony Nov. 7 aboard Camp Foster, Okinawa, Japan. During this year’s uniform pageant Gipson’s JROTC cadets from Kubasaki High School wore various uniforms the Marine Corps has worn in their 242 years of service. The cadets dressed as Marines in wars from the Revolutionary War to Operation Desert Storm. (U.S Marine photo by Lance Corporal Tayler P. Schwamb)  

OKINAWA, JAPAN

11.08.2017

Story by Lance Cpl. Tayler Schwamb 

Marine Corps Installations Pacific

Marines gather to commemorate the history and heritage of the Marine Corps during the 242nd United States Marine Corps Birthday Cake Cutting and Historical Uniform Pageant Ceremony Nov. 7 at the Camp Foster Theater.

The Marine Corps Birthday is a time for Marines throughout the world to celebrate and call to mind the events of their illustrious past.

The pageant featured a birthday message from the 37th Commandant of the Marine Corps, Gen. Robert B. Neller, calling them to reflect on the unchanging “esprit de corps” that binds Marines of the past, present and future.

Cadets from the Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps at Kubasaki High School wore various uniforms that Marines have fought and died in during their 242 years of exemplary service.

“Today’s uniform pageant was so important because it reminded us of our past uniforms, the uniforms our brave brothers and sisters wore so proudly,” said Lance Cpl. Ramfys Delgado Montanez, wireman specialist with G-6, communications, Headquarters and Support Battalion, Marine Corps Installations Pacific-Marine Corps Base Camp Butler, Japan. “It helps us remember our forefathers, the Marines who have died before us, and those who have paved the way for the past 242 years.”

Leadership from MCIPAC and III Marine Expeditionary Force gathered to watch as the cadets and Marines marched proudly across the stage in uniforms from the Revolutionary War to Operation Desert Storm. Marines from MCIPAC conducted a cake cutting ceremony, symbolizing the passing of knowledge from the oldest Marine to the youngest Marine.

“Today’s event was all about celebrating that [Marine Corps] legacy,” said Brig. Gen. Paul Rock Jr., the commanding general of MCIPAC. “This is what we are charged to maintain. [Past Marines] are a part of our legacy and a part of who we are. What defines us as Marines is not what we wear, we are them and they are us. In 242 years, I hope there is a Marine Corps that is 242 years stronger. Thank you to Kubasaki High School and everyone who put this on.”

• Date Taken: 11.08.2017
• Date Posted: 11.09.2017 00:51
• Story ID: 254728
• Location: OKINAWA, JP