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Often times citizens create memorials to honor Marines and
Sailors of past and present, commemorating individual and unit
achievements and immortalizing those who gave the ultimate sacrifice
in service to their country.
One such memorial is Park Semper
Fi which was built by the city of San Clemente, California, to pay
tribute the Corps' honor, courage and commitment in service to the
United States.
On Oct. 11, 2015, Marines, Sailors, veterans
and citizens of the city gathered at the Marine Monument in Park
Semper Fi to celebrate the park's 10th anniversary and add an
additional memorial honoring some of the Corps' recently fallen
Marines.
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Marines and veterans stand as the 1st Marine Division color guard marches in during Park Semper Fi's 10th anniversary ceremony at San Clemente, Calif., Oct. 11, 2015. Park Semper Fi was built to pay tribute to the Corps' honor, courage and commitment in service to the United States. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Demetrius Morgan)
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During the ceremony, Marines of the past and present
spoke fondly of the memorial and the Marines it tributes.
Maj. Gen. Daniel J. O'Donohue, commanding general, 1st
Marine Division, reflected on the great service of Marines
in his charge.
“It's an honor to be here,” O'Donohue
said. “I represent the Marines currently serving today with
the 1st Marine Division and those who served with the
division.”
“Marines have
forever been committed to be the most ready when the nation
is least ready,” he continued. “We know you all are with us
and it makes a difference; for everyone here, your
generosity and kindred spirit touches us deeply.”
The ceremony also paid tribute to the Marines of Marine
Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 469, 3rd Marine Aircraft
Wing who gave their lives during a humanitarian mission in
Nepal, May 12, 2015. Lt. Col. Edward W. Powers, commanding
officer, HMLA 469, spoke on behalf of the unit.
“You
guys have been with us through the good times and the bad,”
Powers said. “Every time there's a tragedy you are with us
to support during the challenging times.”
“This year
during a time of adversity, I've seen San Clemente rise to
every occasion,” he continued. “The fact the families of San
Clemente set aside the time for us is not lost. Those
Marines died for what they believed in and they died doing
what they love to do.”
After Powers finished
speaking, he and other Marines with HMLA 469, unveiled a
memorial within the park dedicated to the six Marines who
lost their lives that day. After they revealed the memorial,
all in attendance stood in silence as taps was played by
members of the 1st Marine Division Band.
After the
conclusion of the ceremony, individuals took time to
personally pay respects at the memorial and to those Marines
in attendance.
Citizens of San Clemente have made it
a priority to remember those Marines who have served their
country in the past and to honor those who serve today. Just
as those who served are always faithful, their legacy will
be faithfully carried on for as long as the Marine Corps
exists.
More photos available in frame below
By U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Demetrius Morgan
Provided
through DVIDS
Copyright 2015
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