MARINE CORPS BASE QUANTICO, Va. (MCN - July
29, 2010) — Eight
Young Marines from across the nation along with ten cadets
from five countries visited Arlington and Washington, D.C.,
as part of the Army Cadet Exchange Program on July 23.
“We take Young Marines from around the nation and they act
as the host, and for two weeks the Young Marines and cadets
come together to exchange military culture,” said Joseph
Bles, Inspector General for the Young Marines National
Headquarters in Washington, D.C. “The visit happens once a
year.”
Young Marines from as far as
California and cadets from as far as Korea converged
in Virginia on July 16 for the two week exchange
program.
“This is my first time with the Army Cadet Exchange
Program,” said Claude, 16, from Euskirchen, Germany.
“It's a great program; it's a breathtaking
experience, and American food is fabulous.”
Young Marines as young as 16 are eligible to
participate in the exchange program.“It's an
indescribable feeling,” said Emily, 17, from the
West Virginia Tri-State Young Marines |
|
Joseph Bles (far right), Inspector General for the Young Marines National Headquarters in Washington, D.C., talks to a group of Young Marines, cadets and their escorts at the Arlington National Cemetery about the changing of the guard on July 23, 2010. |
| Unit. “The program
helps strengthen the lives of America's youth. One
of the big differences between us and the cadets is
our uniforms and terminology.” |
After the visit to the cemetery, the Young Marines and
cadets visited the U.S. Army Caisson Platoon stables in Fort
Myer followed by a trip to Washington, D.C., to view the 8th
& I evening parade.
“The
Young Marines and cadets enjoyed seeing the history
behind the Marine Corps at the Arlington National cemetery
and the National Museum of the Marine Corps,” said Jim
Scott, the Quantico Young Marines Executive Officer.
“Actually seeing the history brought it to life for them. |
