MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- Although the little boy spoke no English, the mustard stain on his shirt, dirt on his ball cap and ear-to-ear grin said it all. It had been the kind of day all children should be entitled to, and one that he wouldn’t soon forget.
Thirty-seven Marines, sailors and their family members visited the Yahata Children’s Home in Hiroshima Saturday for an afternoon of Frisbee and football, hot dogs and hamburgers, and laughter and learning.
“The children enjoy playing with the American people,” said Motoko Murakami, Yahata Children’s Home director and Hiroshima resident. “They are excited to come together with the Marines.”
The home is a temporary residence for children experiencing family difficulties and was originally founded as an orphanage for victims who lost their parents after the atomic blast in Hiroshima. The visits, which occur two or three times annually, are eagerly anticipated by the children, said Murakami.
The afternoon began with a barbecue where service members served hot dogs, hamburgers and cookies for Yahata’s nearly 60 children and 20 staff members.
“I think the Japanese people get to see that Americans want to come out and interact with them,” said Gunnery Sgt. Victor M. Mancha, Marine Wing Support Squadron 171 Headquarters Company first sergeant and San Antonio native. “They (The Japanese) enjoy it, and I enjoy it as well.”
After lunch, the group headed to Hiroshima’s Saiki Athletic Park. Service members and children spent the afternoon playing sports and enjoying the park’s playground equipment.
“I’ve only been in Japan for three months, and it’s the first opportunity I’ve had to do anything like this,” said Lance Cpl. Kyle B. Hoy, MWSS-171 bulk fuel specialist and Murphysboro, Ill. native.
Hoy spent the afternoon participating in a baseball game that pitted the Japanese against the Americans. Surprised at their talent for the sport, Hoy said the youngsters might have taught him a thing or two.
“This builds better relationships between the citizens of Japan and the Marine Corps, and kind of narrows the cultural gap,” Hoy said.
Lt. Gregory R. Peters, MWSS-171 squadron chaplain and Detroit native, was responsible for contacting the children’s home and coordinating the event. When Marines inquire about volunteering for community-relations events, they are often interested in painting or fixing something, said Peters.
“We as Marines want to see what we’ve done, but it’s so meaningful just to be there and play with the kids,” Peters said.
Murakami agrees, and says that visits from the Marines and sailors are a favorite amongst the children.
“I want you (the Marines) to come back again with as many as possible,” she said with a warm smile.