MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI -- Station residents came together July 4, 2012, to celebrate the history of America during the Stars-and-Trikes Parade, which trailed through the station’s Monzen district.
“It was nice to bring a little bit of home here, to help people not feel so far away from home” said Genny Stiller, station resident. “It was a great opportunity to make new memories and remember the old traditions we would do if we were back in the states.”
The parade started with the singing of The Star-Spangled Banner and a lesson about the Fourth of July. Children gathered before the parade and learned about America’s independence.
“We wanted to make sure the kids understood the importance of their heritage,” said Stiller. “It can be a little difficult while you’re over here to remember your own holidays when you spend so much time accepting and learning about the Japanese. Even without the fireworks everyone is so used to, I’d say the parade was really inspiring.”
Even when rain fell on those participating, the spirit of the moment remained alive.
“The turnout for the event was even better than we expected,” said Stiller. “We were anticipating maybe 25 to 50 people to show up, but when everyone got there it looked like almost 100 people had shown up. Even when it started pouring on everyone, not a single person left.”
A party was held the day before the parade, where decorations were available for those who wanted to add a personal touch to their tricycles and bicycles. Banners were also made and carried by participants. With such a great turnout for a first-time event, participants said their hopes are high to make this parade annual.
“Hopefully next year we can have another parade and it’ll be even bigger and better,” said Wendy Lewis, station resident. “I know they we're trying to get support from (Marine Corps Community Services), but there wasn’t enough time, so hopefully it’ll work out next year.”
With home thousands of miles away for most of those stationed here, the chance to feel like they’re back in America for an afternoon is undoubtedly a welcome idea for some station residents.
“Every time you leave the base, you can see that sign which talks about us being good ambassadors,” said Lewis. “When you see that every time you go somewhere, you understand where you come from and what your nationality is and it hits it home every day. When you’re living in America, you wait for the fireworks and that’s the Fourth of July, fireworks and barbecue. Here, you see it every time you drive off base. We’re in another country and we’re American ambassadors.”