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thedrifter
06-30-04, 09:53 AM
Fallen warrior remembered during joint memorial
Submitted by: MCB Camp Butler
Story Identification #: 2004630376
Story by Lance Cpl. Joel Abshier



HAMAHIGA ISLAND, OKINAWA, Japan —(June 23, 2004) -- Marines and sailors from 9th Engineer Support Battalion, 3rd Force Service Support Group, presented flowers at Col. Kermit H. Shelly’s memorial here June 23, continuing an annual tradition during Okinawa’s Memorial Day.

Shelly was the commanding officer of 3rd Force Service Regiment, now known as 3rd Force Service Support Group, from March 1967 to 1968. During that time he and his Marines were familiar faces on Hamahiga Island, located northeast of Okinawa’s Katsuren peninsula, as they
constantly worked to improve the island’s infrastructure.

After Shelly’s death in 1968, island residents planned to construct a memorial in honor of him, according to Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Robert R. Buxton, 9th ESB chaplain’s assistant. With the gift of a commemorative plate from the Marine Officers Wives Club, and the efforts of Marines and local residents, the memorial was completed.

“The purpose of the visit was to show honor to Col. Shelly,” said Buxton, who coordinated the event. “To show our gratitude, Marines and sailors also gave respect to the local veterans who died during the Battle of Okinawa.”

Marines, the Marine Officers Wives Club and local residents held a joint memorial service for Shelly for four consecutive years after his death, according to shrine caretaker Ryoji Morine. It turned into an annual event for local residents only after 1972. A few years ago, the memorial became a joint service once again.

“It was a great honor be at the joint memorial to share the holiday with the residents,” said Chaplain Steve T. Orren. “In the future we will have more opportunities to get together to remember those who died (for) us.”

“Everyone here is very excited to have an opportunity like today, allowing us to keep our friendship with the Marine Corps,” said Hama District Mayor Michiko Kinjo, during the memorial ceremony.

One by one, the service members placed incense upon the memorial in remembrance of the unity Shelly initiated between the community and the Marine Corps.

“This event was a way for me to see how the Okinawan locals show their respect for the fallen,” said Pfc. Mathew E. Ward, engineer assistant. “Keeping our relationship with the surrounding community is an objective that is worth striving for.”

http://www.usmc.mil/marinelink/image1.nsf/Lookup/20046303820/$file/Release0310-2004-02low.jpg

HAMAHIGA ISLAND, OKINAWA, Japan –Private First Class Tyler O. Spaoldins places incense on the memorial of Col. Kermit H. Shelly. Tyler is a bulk fuel specialist with 9th Engineer Support Battalion, 3rd Force Service Support Group. A group of 11 Marines and sailors from his unit celebrated Okinawa’s memorial day with local residents and veterans here June 23. Shelly and his Marines were familiar faces in the late 1960s on Hamahiga Island, located northeast of Okinawa’s Katsuren peninsula, as they constantly worked to improve the island’s infrastructure. Photo by: Lance Cpl. Joel Abshier

http://www.usmc.mil/marinelink/image1.nsf/Lookup/20046303926/$file/Release0310-2004-03low.jpg

HAMAHIGA ISLAND, OKINAWA, Japan – To foster their friendship with the local residents, a group of 11 Marines and sailors of the 9th Engineer Support Battalion, 3rd Force Service Support Group, presented flowers for the memorial of Col. Kermit H. Shelly here June 23. Shelly and his Marines were familiar faces in the late 1960s on Hamahiga Island, located northeast of Okinawa’s Katsuren peninsula, as they constantly worked to improve the island’s infrastructure. Photo by: Lance Cpl. Joel Abshier

http://www.usmc.mil/marinelink/mcn2000.nsf/main5/A6A28A0432806E3C85256EC300271A75?opendocument


Ellie


God Bless