Posted on 12/06/2005 6:25:28 PM PST by SandRat
U.S. MARINE CORPS FORCES, PACIFIC, CAMP H. M. SMITH, Hawaii (Dec. 5, 2005) -- The 3rd Marine Regiment color guard led the largest community parade in the state of Hawaii during the 43rd annual Kaneohe Bay Christmas Parade, Dec. 3.
If you’re not accustomed to a Hawaiian winter you would have found yourself a bit confused as to what this parade was for; the typically warm weather and the “Celebration of Freedom” theme made it as much like a 4th of July celebration than Christmas.
Kaneohe celebrated not only Christmas but also all the men and women who serve to protect our country.
“Helping out with something like this is a way to celebrate our brothers and sisters, as well as the community,” said Cpl. James Kirk, part of the Marine Corps color guard from 3rd Marine Regiment.
The parade featured 7 bands, to include the Navy Pacific Fleet Band, 15 floats and a grand total of 2,800 participants who rolled and strolled down Kamehameha Highway.
In keeping with the theme, the select Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps marched in the parade representing almost every branch of service.
“Marine Corps leads the way, so of course we came out to represent,” said Travis Sakaria, a Marine Corps JROTC cadet and sophomore at Castle High School.
As the streets loaded with onlookers and the sun beared down, the parade marched proudly past the reviewing stand where Brig. Gen. Steven A. Hummer, the deputy commander of Marine Corps Forces, Pacific, watched with other distinguished guests.
Music and laughter weren’t the only things filling the atmosphere. A hearty feeling of holiday cheer and patriotism filled the air as people of all ages, races and colors sang Christmas carols and every manner of patriotic songs.
“Play the Marines hymn, play the Marines hymn,” yelled a Marine from the crowd, as the Pacific Fleet Band passed.
The American flag was the centerpiece of this parade. Each group had at least one flag, but no matter how many color guards passed, people still stood to pay their respects to the symbol of their freedom.
Young, old and in-between every, onlooker seemed to have a smile on their face as the two most common phrases rang out…
“Happy Holidays,” yelled a Vietnam War veteran holding Old Glory high and proud. “And God bless America.”
Aloha Marine!!!
And thank God the military has yet to get too PC to call it Christmas. God Bless the USMC
ping
BTTT
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