MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron hosted a Fourth of July Parade that circled the parade deck here, July 4, 2013.
The parade consisted of Marines, spouses and children dressed up in festive red, white and blue walking on the road following a military police vehicle and another car, driven by Sgt. Maj. Peter W. Ferral playing holiday specific music to show their patriotism.
Katherine A. West, H&HS family readiness officer, was in charge of putting together the parade for this year. It was her first time organizing the parade, and she wanted to try and duplicate a home-like feeling for Americans aboard station.
“It’s important to celebrate our independence,” said West. “Even though we are in a different country, people still want to celebrate. It’s nice to celebrate independence as a community.”
Despite the dark clouds in the sky and heavy rain, participants still showed up to walk the streets around the parade deck with their heads high and smiles on their faces.
“There were a lot of people there who were excited about (the parade). They were excited about it, and it was bigger than last year,” said West. “I think it was a great turn out.”
Independence Day, also known as Fourth of July is a federal holiday celebrated with parades, music and festivities to remember our founding fathers and the lives lost during the American Revolutionary War to make The United States of America what it is today.
The American Revolution was the war in which the Thirteen Colonies fought for their independence from Great Britain and the war’s goal was achieved, July 2, 1776. It was then, the Second Continental Congress voted to approve the resolution of independence and declare the United States independent from Great Britain.
After debating and revising the wording of the Declaration of Independence, Congress approved it on July 4, 1776.
Americans celebrate Independence Day each year, but each person’s view may differ on what the day means to them on a more personal level.
“Fourth of July means to me the celebration of our independence,” said Lt. Col. F. L. Lewis, Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron commanding officer. “More importantly in the Declaration of Independence is we are all created equal, and we all have certain rights. That is the foundation of our nation and the foundation of our ethics and core values for the Marine Corps.”