The Marines received a hero's welcome from spectators and celebrities when they helped Hollywood kick-off the holiday season by participating in the Blockbuster Hollywood Christmas Spectacular, formerly known as the "Hollywood Christmas Parade" Sunday, Dec. 1.

Celebrities from film, television and radio, as well as sports personalities and local politicians took part in the annual event that, according to publish reports, was almost canceled for budget reasons.

The Marine Corps Mounted Color Guard from Marine Corps Logistics Base, Barstow, Calif., carried the American Flag and the Marine Corps Colors and led an eclectic array of floats, marching bands, classic cars and equestrian groups through the streets of Hollywood. The 2 ½-mile parade began on a red-carpeted section of Hollywood Blvd in front of the famed Grauman's Chinese Theatre and the "Hollywood Walk of Fame" and ended nearby on Sunset Blvd.

According to Sgt. Cory A. Kelly, mounted color guard member, riding atop those beautiful horses, with the crowd screaming words of thanks and encouragement was a truly unique and once-in-a-lifetime experience.

The Mounted Color Guard rode on Mustangs of palomino color which were acquired through the Federal Bureau of Land Management's Adopt-A-Horse Program. Other mounted color guard members included MGySgt. Kim Ortamond, NCOIC mounted colorguard, Cpl. Eusebio Talamantes, Jr., and Cpl. Jeremy T. Palu.

Reserve Marines from 2nd Battalion, 23rd Marines were also on hand to raise awareness for the Toys For Tots Program.

GySgt. Connie M. Denver III, Peacetime/Wartime Support Program NCOIC and Cpl. Belinda Quezada, PWSP support clerk, and a handful of children who will benefit from Toys For Tots this Christmas, rode aboard a float donated by the toy program's official local sponsor KNBC-TV Channel 4.

According to Quezada, participating in the parade was very rewarding. "One of my favorite moments was watching how happy and excited the kids got riding on the float," she said. "They loved the attention and waving to everyone. They just had a great time."

Throughout the parade, the Marines waved at hundreds of thousands of applauding spectators crammed shoulder to shoulder and several rows deep in some sections.

The reception and support the Marines received during the parade was nothing short of overwhelming, said Denver.

Some spectators who were sitting back in their chairs or on blankets laid out on sidewalks rose to their feet to shout "thank you?s" and words of encouragement and praise to the Marines as they passed. Some children screamed and waved with joy, impressed either by the Marines or by the horses they rode.

"Watching the Marines ride by sent chills down my back and made be feel so proud," said Connie Fernandez, a Hollywood resident who brought her two kids to the parade. "They look so good up there. Big, strong Marines," she said proudly.

It was a great feeling knowing the American public appreciates the job the Marines are doing and it was an honor to represent the many Marines who are serving proudly throughout the world, said Quezada.

The Marines agreed that participation in the parade was undoubtedly a community relations success. Kelly and Quezada also agreed that the exposure to such a large audience is sure to help the recruiting effort. "Any time you get an opportunity to show Marines standing tall and proud in their uniforms, we benefit," said Kelly.

Quezada said she answered many general questions and from people who were curious about the Marines and some specifically about the role of women.

According to Kelly, these types of events can be very effective in forming attitudes and creating positive awareness in ways that hard to measure. For example, Kelly said he can picture a father and son watching the parade. The son, impressed by the sight of sharply dressed Marines and the positive reaction of the crowd, turns to ask his dad, "'Hey dad, who are they?" said Kelly. "'Son, they are Marines."

The positive impression formed at that moment can have a lasting effect, said Kelly. "If that boy is someday faced with a decision to serve in the military," he said. "He may look back on that day and decide to join the Marines."

Denver, Quezada and Kelly said they are already looking forward to next year and hope the parade becomes a yearly event for both their organizations.