Photo By Cpl. Thomas Mudd | Angela Davis, public relations coordinator, Board of Military Spouse Community...... read more read more
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TWENTYNINE PALMS, Calif. - Some moved around anxiously, only vaguely aware of the proud traditions unfolding before them. Others stood at the position of attention with solemn pride in their young eyes. Most have sacrificed for the Marine Corps their entire lives and all have inherited the Corps’ values of honor, courage and commitment.
Dozens of Combat Center children attended the 2nd Annual Military Kids Birthday Bash at the Officers’ Club, Nov. 17, 2015. The Lifestyle, Insights, Networking, Knowledge, and Skills program provided children with the opportunity to learn about Marine Corps birthday traditions.
“Every year Marines celebrate the month of November, because of the Corps’ birthday,” said Amber Bilderain, program manager, L.I.N.K.S. “We wanted to teach the children why their parents celebrate the month. The event lets the children dress up and have fun while learning the Corps’ traditions.”
During the event the children witnessed a uniform pageant, where Marines donned historic uniforms that have been worn by Marines since 1775, as well as a cake-cutting ceremony.
“I brought my children out to this event last year they had a great time and learned a lot from it,” said Staff Sgt. Eriel Feliz, engineer maintenance floor chief, Combat Logistics Battalion 7. “Our children have to stay with a babysitter while we leave to celebrate. This allows them to celebrate and understand why it is so important.”
Throughout the event, Marine volunteers took the opportunity to show the children the importance of Marine Corps ceremonial practices such as standing at the position of attention for the presentation of the colors and the playing of the Marines Hymn, as well as paying respects to the invocation and the cake cutting ceremony.
“I volunteered for this event because I love the Marine Corps and I wanted to share our history and culture with the children,” said Lance Cpl. Nicole Menas, student, Marine Corps Communication-Electronics School. “They had the opportunity to learn about our history and its importance to us.”
The members of L.I.N.K.S. and the volunteers from the installation worked with the children to help them better understand the sacrifices their parents make and the proud Marine Corps heritage in which they have been raised.
“Here tonight, [the children] get to see what we do every year,” said Sgt. Maj. Edward Zapata, battalion sergeant major, 3rd Light Armor Reconnaissance Battalion. “You are very important. Everything your parents do, they do for you. I wish we had this back when my sons were young. This is a great occasion for all of you and I hope it continues every year.”
| Date Taken: | 11.17.2015 |
| Date Posted: | 11.19.2015 13:14 |
| Story ID: | 182356 |
| Location: | MARINE CORPS AIR GROUND COMBAT CENTER TWENTYNINE PALMS, CALIFORNIA, US |
| Web Views: | 168 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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