MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- The Kintai Bridge, built in 1673 and rebuilt several times throughout the centuries, is a Japanese national treasure known throughout Japan as a popular spot for millions of tourists and locals.
Its unique structure is made up of wooden planks, which form five arches spanning 210 meters across the Nishiki River, and allows for passers-by to stroll to the other side where monuments and historical landmarks reside. One of these historical landmarks is the Iwakuni Castle, which can be seen from the Kintai Bridge.
It is also the scene of prominent samurai history, known as the Battle of Sekigahara, said Petty Officer 3rd Class Gerrit Brower, Marine Aircraft Group 12 religious programs specialist.
It all remains significant to the local community and, therefore, service members and civilians among Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni take it upon themselves to regularly keep the area around it free of trash and litter.
More than 30 service members and civilians gathered at Kikko Park, near the Kintai Bridge, to participate in the Kintai cleanup Saturday.
“Once a month we come out here,” said Brower.
Volunteers, sometimes as many as 60, equipped with white plastic trash bags, spend a few hours once a month to walk around the park picking up all the trash they can find in order to keep it free of paper, waste, tires, and many things that just don’t belong.
Sometimes they split up into small groups and wander around, taking in the sites and strategically scanning every inch of the vicinity for garbage, leaving the view of the Kintai Bridge and its surrounding areas untainted.
“To help the Japanese see that we aren’t just here to disrupt their peace, we come out and show them the different side of the Marine Corps and the Navy,” said Brower.
“We want to show them that we truly do care about our host nation,” he said.
Volunteering for cleanups not only serves as a productive way to contribute, but it also serves as a chance for service members from other units to bond and experience together the culture Iwakuni has to offer.
“It’s a great opportunity for Marines to get out into the community and see the local side of the people,” said Lance Cpl. Gerald Morales, first-time volunteer from MAG-12.
It was pretty much a base-wide operation, said Brower.
Volunteers from all units, including Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron, Strike Fighter Squadron 94 and Marine All Weather Fighter Attack Squadron 242, took the time to lend a hand.
“The bridge is beautiful,” said Morales. “You never see anything like that in the states. It’s amazing how old it is and that it’s still standing,” he said.
All service members and civilians are encouraged to participate in upcoming group activities geared toward volunteering outside of base.
“I’m brand new at this and new to Japan,” said Morales. “So I’m definitely going to do this every month.”
For additional information about upcoming volunteer opportunities, visit the MAG-12 Chaplain’s Office or call 253-3836.