MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- Station residents kicked off the Christmas season with a Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony and the 7th annual Toys for Tots “Thunder Run” motorcycle rally here Saturday and Sunday.
Saturday night kicked off this special time of year with a Christmas tree lighting ceremony at the Cherry Blossom Triangle. Hundreds of station residents gathered around in the cold to celebrate what most would consider being one of the best seasons of the year.
“The Christmas season always brings everyone together to have a good time and get along,” said Santa Claus. “It’s the season for forgiveness and the celebration of the season always takes care of that.”
“We try and bring the community together to light the Christmas tree and get in the Christmas spirit,” said Joanna M. Dunphy, Marine Corps Community Services special event assistant and Philadelphia native. “Being in Japan, a lot of people spend the holidays away from their families and MCCS tries to bring everyone together. We try and make it as happy and family oriented as possible.”
During the ceremony, Col. Michael A. Dyer, station commanding officer, Lt. Col. Todd C. Hyson, station executive officer, and Santa Claus sang Christmas carols on stage with local children.
“The kids are so cute, you’ve got to love them,” said Dunphy. “Christmas caroling puts everyone in the right mood.”
At the height of the caroling, Brittany N. Meyer, a 9-year-old and native of Hermiston, Ore., pressed the button to turn on the Christmas tree lights. The cheers from the crowd proved it a moment all were anticipating with each breath.
“It was really fun turning the Christmas lights on,” said Meyer with a huge smile. “You get to hit a switch and then all of a sudden it’s bright. The lights are very pretty and all different colors.”
With the glow of twinkling lights blanketing the spirited ceremony, new memories of Christmas were being made. For some, it was a time to recollect past celebrations.
“This is the time of year when you miss home,” said Lance Cpl. William G. Sheppard, Marine Wing Support Squadron 171 drafting and surveying specialist and native of Quinton, Okla. “Having a Christmas here warms your heart a little. It brings back memories of home and brightens the holiday spirit. The Christmas season is always a good time of year for everybody; it brings a lot of people together.”
After a night of celebration, approximately 70 motorcycles thundered through station streets during the 7th annual Toys for Tots “Thunder Run” motorcycle rally at the Hornet’s Nest Sunday.
The fun-filled event kick started with Japanese and American bikers donating Christmas gifts to Toys for Tots. Marines in dress blues thanked the gift givers for their generosity and gently placed the presents in bins, which are located on different areas on station until Dec. 23.
“I really like Toys for Tots because it gives to the disadvantaged - the children who are left behind or given up on,” explained Master Gunnery Sgt. Richard G. Redick, Mobile Calibration Complex 1, wing calibrations chief, and a native of Emporia, Kan. “It is a good thing for those who don’t have what others take for granted. Many kids receive bundles and bundles of toys every year, but for the children who receive these toys (Toys for Tots), it might be the only toy they get the whole year.”
Japanese participants agreed.
“As an individual, I can only make a small impact. Because of the event, American and Japanese can benefit children by donating toys to the Toy for Tots program,” said Toshio Fujiwara, bike enthusiast. “Because of this event, I know when I donate toys they will go to children in need. I am very happy to be a part of this.”
After the bins were overflowing with toys, it was time for the leather jacket-clad bikers, to rev up their engines. The rally brought both Japanese and American riders together into one united thundering swarm of motorcycles.
“It was a nice peaceful ride,” said Redick. “Be it American made or Japanese made, each bike had their own distinct sound.”
After the bike ride, the gang went back to the Hornet’s Nest for fellowship with one another, enjoy a tasty barbecue and listen to live performances from local bands and Taiko drummers.
“We’re a biker family. The sound of the Harleys roaring lets people know that we are here today to gather gifts,” said Mike K. Gingles, Iwakuni Motorcycle Club president and native of Shreveport, La.
As the weekend of festivities came to an end, it was apparent the station’s mood shifted into Christmas season through two community events. Not only were the station’s Christmas lights turned on, but hundreds of gifts were donated to poor children through the Toys for Tots program.