MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. -- Marines with 2nd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, put on a demonstration of Military Operations in Urban Terrain, and presented static displays of gear Marines are currently using for veterans during 2nd Marine Division’s annual World War II Day aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, April, 24.
The purpose of WWII Day is to honor the veterans and their families as well as teach the Marines and sailors of today’s military about the sacrifices made during WWII.
“The Marines that are serving today in Afghanistan and Iraq learned how to act from the legacy that the World War II veterans left,” said Brig. Gen. James Lukeman, commanding general of 2nd Marine Division.
In the demonstration Marines pushed from house to house, working towards securing an objective, all while fighting an opposition force. The Marines sustained a simulated casualty and executed an emergency casualty evacuation using an amphibious assault vehicle all while helicopter support flew overhead.
The Marines participating in this demonstration were proud to show their skills as well as have an opportunity to speak with the veterans.
“I feel so honored to be able to do this,” said Lance Cpl. Cody Barbour, a rifleman with 2nd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment. “I get to do what they used to do, and show them how we do what they used to love.”
The veterans and families that attended the event had time to interact with Marines and sailors from 2nd Marine Division as well as learn about the present day Marine Corps.
“I was at Camp Lejeune in 1942 when it was the New River Training Facility and it’s astonishing to see how far we have come over the years,” said C.J. Daigle, a retired major and WWII, Korea and Vietnam veteran. “It’s great to see we are still the same Corps.”
After the demonstration the veterans and families ate lunch at the Wallace Creek Chow Hall before attending the closing ceremonies at the Paradise Point Officers’ Club.
“The Marine Corps is about generations,” said Lukeman. “It is what is passed on from generation to generation and the esprit de corps that allows us to defeat any enemy.”
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