OCEANSIDE, Calif. -- Static displays, bounce houses for kids, a live band and a delicious tri-tip lunch on the house were among the variety of treats servicemembers and their families enjoyed May 21 during the fourth annual Operation Appreciation.
More than 5,000 people turned out, including Camp Pendleton Marines and sailors who recently returned from Iraq, said Dave L. NyDegger, the Oceanside Chamber of Commerce's chief executive officer.
"On behalf of 150 volunteers and the city's business community, it's our way of saying thanks and letting servicemembers know that we support them," he said.
Sergeant Tony L. Darling, from 7th Engineer Support Battalion, was not present Saturday to witness his spouse, son and daughter enjoying the day's activities. He's deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and is due back in September. His two children - Kiera, 16 months, and Keon, 3 - crawled all over the humvees, even without "daddy" present.
"I send him care packages often, but he would have enjoyed something like this," said his wife, Sachie, of Oceanside.
As servicemembers poured toward the Oceanside Pier, a centerpiece for the celebration, jam band Papa Doo Run Run cranked out tunes for the likes of dancing toddlers and swaying adults.
"The humvee is my favorite because of the giant bazooka on top of it," said Tyler Ross, 9, of Oceanside. He was one of hundreds of children who climbed aboard more than a dozen military vehicles provided by the base to enhance the salute, bankrolled by the Oceanside Chamber of Commerce and various other sponsors.
Despite Operation Appreciation's four-year history, some were surprised an event dedicated solely to servicemembers had grown so large.
"It makes you proud to know that people actually care," said Staff Sgt. Luke N. Medlin, engineer chief with Headquarters Company, Brigade Service Support Group 1, 1st Force Service Support Group.
Tanner Ross, 7, of Oceanside, wasn't as concerned with thanking U.S. servicemembers as he was checking out the military gear. He was too busy taking the helm of the hovercraft that had little tykes swarming all over it for most of the day.
"It is so cool to grab all the controls and learn how to fly it," said Ross, 7, of Oceanside, who plans to be an "Army man" when he grows up.
"We want to keep doing this and (continue) showing our support," NyDegger said. "Next year it will be bigger and better."