MOREHEAD CITY, N.C. (Nov. 22, 2011) -- Marines and Sailors of Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point and 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing showed their support for those who fought in our nation’s wars by participating in the 2011 Morehead City Veterans Day Parade Nov. 5.
“This parade was hosted to help show our appreciation for the veterans of all the wars,” said John Thompson, a parade official. “We look back in history at veterans of wars who never got the appreciation they deserved. Hopefully the vets in this area who got that treatment will see the support of the community and realize they are appreciated.”
Thompson said air station and wing service members who came down to show their support in the parade gave testament to their dedication to duty and upholding their traditions.
“Upholding our traditions is what the Corps was built upon,” said Col. Philip Zimmerman, commanding officer of MCAS Cherry Point. “These veterans are the ones who created these traditions. What makes the Marine Corps special is the traditions we live by.”
Zimmerman said he is very proud of the way the Marines carried themselves during the parade. More than 50 Marines and Sailors from Cherry Point supported the event by marching in the parade, greeting and thanking veterans for their service. Marines who participated included the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing Band, the Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron color guard and Zimmerman, who was grand marshal for the parade.
Thompson and Zimmerman agreed to the meaning and importance behind the Marines supporting the parade.
“The Marines had a great chance to spend time with the local community,” said Zimmerman. “The Marines had a chance to see not only how the community supports our local veterans but also how the Marine Corps is supported. It was an honor getting to see and interact with all the vets and be the grand marshal of the parade. Being a part of this parade helped me show thanks for the traditions veterans left behind.”