MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- More than 800 residents of Iwakuni, both on and off the Station, made their way out to the Nishiki River, July 10, and the Tsuzumigaura Beach, July 13, donned with working gloves and trash bags to take part in the beautification of Iwakuni City.
The annual cleanup events are comprised of residents who volunteer to pull weeds and remove litter from the Nishiki River and remove plastics, cans, bottles, seaweeds and driftwood from the Tsuzumigaura Beach.
"This is the third year doing this and every year we receive more volunteers," said Yoshihisa Doi, Kawashimo District Federation of Neighbors' Association chairman of the Nishiki River cleanup.
Residents of the Yamaguchi Prefecture care for the river because it is part of their daily lives. The river is a symbolic landmark to the residents, Doi said.
"The neighbors of the river enjoy it for recreational use. During the summer days, families use the river to swim in," said Doi. "It is a major part of the city's leisure as well. Many festivals, including dance and fire festivals, take place near the river to celebrate its importance to the community."
The river also flows under the famed five-arched Kintai Bridge.
Marines and Sailor's who volunteered were shocked to see so many people volunteering to beautify their community.
"I am just amazed to see so many people here," said Cpl. Tyrone Denkins, Traffic Management Office passenger and travel clerk. "You wouldn't see so many people back in the United States on a Saturday morning doing this."
The 80 service members who contributed to both cleanup projects considered volunteering a courteous and respectful gesture to the Japanese locals.
"This is the first time I have ever volunteered for something like this. I always wanted to and I'm glad I finally did," said Cpl. Jesse B. Boring, Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 12 aviation technician. "I hope this leaves a lasting impression on the residents of Iwakuni."
The locals who also participated were gracious for the service members making an appearance and helping the city.
"The city is really appreciative of the volunteers from the Station. It's not a glorious job, picking up trash, but we hope to see more Marines and Sailors lend a helping hand," said Doi.
The Nishiki River starts in the north of Shikano-cho in Tsuno-gun County, flows to the east and runs into the Seto Inland Sea.
The Nishiki River is the largest river in the Yamaguchi Prefecture. The length of the river's channel is 109 miles. The length of the entire Nishiki River System, including 27 offshoots, is 327 miles.
The Tsuzumigaura Beach is located 6 miles away from the Station and provides a great refuge for the Iwakuni residents, said Yukie Wada, Station Public Affairs representative and coordinator of the beach cleanup for service members.