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Nearly 500 current and former Marines gathered together in the
largest mass Marine formation in New York City's history, to
celebrate the Marine Corps Reserve Centennial at Times Square, Aug.
29, 2016.
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August 29, 2016 - Marines from Brooklyn's 6th Communication
Battalion take part in the filming of Good Morning America. Marines
then gathered in Times Square for the “Once a Marine, Always a
Marine” formation in celebration of the Marine Corps Reserve
Centennial. For 100 years, the Marine Corps Reserve has answered the
call, serving as our nation's crisis response force and
expeditionary force in readiness. The centennial celebration is a
way to honor that selfless service and commemorate the Marine Corps
Reserve's rich history, heritage and esprit de corps. The
celebration is also a way for Reserve Marines to thank their
families, employers and community for their continued support. (U.S.
Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Ian Leones)
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The “Once a Marine, Always a Marine” formation is one of the many
kick-off events taking place in New York to mark the start of a
yearlong celebration of the Marine Corps Reserve's 100 years of
service to the Corps and the community. The formation brought
together Marines from World War II to the present, including members
of the New York Police and Fire Departments, community members and
possible future Marines, to honor 100 years of selfless dedication
to their country.
“The presence of these Marines is a
reminder to our county that our nation's most treasured resources
are the brave men and women who volunteered to serve when this
country calls,” said Lt. Gen. Rex C. McMillian, commander of Marine
Forces Reserve and Marine Forces North. “With us today are New
York's finest and bravest, from the police officers to the
firefighters of New York, these brave men and women are on watch
protecting our citizens. This gathering is a reminder to all Marines
who ever served, that you are still a member of the Corps.”
The anniversary celebration highlights the achievement and history
of the Reserve throughout the years and their commitment not only to
their nation but to balancing a life in the Corps and civilian
world. It recognizes that Marines continue their roles in the
community whether they are currently serving in the Corps or in
their civilian lives.
“We are all Marines at the end of the day -- once a Marine,
always a Marine -- so it was good to bring us all together in
formation,” said Cpl. Prince Mends, a motor transport operator with
Combat Logistics Battalion 25. “Since we are Reserve Marines it is
good to show up and show who we are, what we do, and why we are
celebrating 100 years of the Reserve.”
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August 29, 2016 - Marines with 2nd Battalion, 25th Marine Regiment,
present the colors during the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Centennial
celebration at Times Square, Aug. 29, 2016. For 100 years, the
Marine Corps Reserve has answered the call, serving as our nation's
crisis response force and expeditionary force in readiness. The
centennial celebration is a way to honor this selfless service and
celebrate the Marine Corps' rich history, heritage and esprit de
corps. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Sara Graham)
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The Reserve continues to serve selflessly to protect
their nation while they balance the responsibilities of
family, school, community and careers. Even while balancing
their two lives, the Reserve Marines are a key component to
the Marine Corps, as they serve as the nation's crisis
response force and expeditionary force in readiness. They
are continually ready to support and augment the active duty
Marines whenever it is asked of them.
“Our role is
to back up the active duty component, they go in for long
deployments then we step in to help when they need a break,”
said Mends. “We are very strong in what we do, so we back
them up and push them forward.” br>
TTo complete the celebration, potential new
recruits stood before the formation and community and took
the oath of enlistment to join the Marine Corps. Whether it
is to serve on active duty or in the reserves, they are
taking their first steps into a service with unmatched
heritage and tradition. They represent a look to the future,
and hope to become the Marines who will carry on the next
100 years of service and tradition.
By U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Sara Grahambr>
Provided
through DVIDS
Copyright 2016
The U.S. Marines
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