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thedrifter
02-13-04, 05:43 AM
Raising 'Old Glory': 3rd MAW dedicates colors ceremony to families, honors legacy of sacrifice
Submitted by: MCAS Miramar
Story Identification Number: 2004212151522
Story by Cpl. Kristen L. Tull



MARINE CORPS AIR STATION MIRAMAR, Calif.(Feb. 12, 2004) -- Our flag is powerful in symbolism and meaning.

The flag is raised every morning so that we may understand, no matter how difficult the battle or how many times the colors have fallen, through our combined efforts, they will always rise again.

Commanding General Maj. Gen. James F. Amos, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, dedicated the Feb. 6 colors ceremony here to the families who stand behind every successful servicemember.

The 3rd MAW band started the ceremony by playing "The Klaxon," by Henry Fillmore. The piece painted a musical picture of the congested San Diego streets and freeways that military families travel during their hectic schedules.

The last selection prior to colors was "Wind Beneath My Wings." This song was chosen to thank the family members for keeping the home-fires burning, for welcoming them home when they return from a long tour overseas, and for all the sacrifices the military family must endure during a servicemembers career.

The crowd was filled with servicemen and women, their families and retirees.

"I am very proud to be here, the Marine Corps was my life for 30 years, and I loved every minute of it," said retired Col. Jim Williams.

After serving in World War II, the Korean War, and Vietnam, the retired colonel said he still gets goose bumps when he hears anything patriotic.

"I have to watch the tears, it's all just so meaningful to me," said Williams.

His wife was beside him, assisting him to stand while the colors were raised.

"It's all so significant, just watching the camaraderie brings tears to my eyes," said Jan Williams.

For many Marines and Sailors here, this will be their last colors ceremony before deploying to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom II.

"It's going to be a while before I'm able to come back and do this again, it makes me proud just to be here," said Cpl. Roberto Cervantes, administration clerk, Marine Wing Headquarters Squadron 3.

Sgt. William B. Holder, intelligence specialist here, deploying to Iraq for the second time, says ceremonies such as this give the community a chance to come out and show their support.

"It's motivating to me, it makes me remember the guys who did it before us, the ones who went through a lot more than we did," said Holder. "It doesn't make it so bad that we're deploying again."

The colors ceremony is a military tradition that is passed on to all servicemembers year after year, each one with a different meaning.

Cpl. Jason Nuckles, information systems specialist here will not be deployed, but knows the importance of raising the flag.

"It's so symbolic, the flag going up, no matter where you are. I mean ... that's what we're fighting for right there."


http://www.usmc.mil/marinelink/image1.nsf/Lookup/2004212174332/$file/COLORSlo.jpg

The 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing Band stands at the ready in the 3rd MAW Headquarters area after playing the national anthem during the Feb. 6 Colors Ceremony honoring military families and their sacrifices. Photo by: Lance Cpl. John Sayas

http://www.usmc.mil/marinelink/mcn2000.nsf/main5/B0517EC317B39B2985256E38006F4563?opendocument

Sempers,

Roger
:marine:

cmbell
02-13-04, 05:48 AM
A big Semper Fi to those Devil Dogs