MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLEON, Calif. -- Exotic cars weren’t the only things people gawked over at the 2005 Corona Del Mar Coastline Car Classic.

Jaws dropped when twenty-five troops from Camp Pendleton’s 1st Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment marched their way into the car show.

The show, which exhibited hundreds of cars, also honored the Marines and sailors in battalion with a ceremony for their outstanding service Sept. 11.

The Marines and sailors who were handpicked by their command were presented awards by their adoptive city Newport Beach.

Two years ago, the Newport Beach Adoption Committee adopted the battalion to help their families through long deployments.

“We’ve been (helping Marines) since the beginning of the Gulf War – sending them food, baby wipes … razors,” said Daniel Marcheano who is a committee member and the president of the Arches restaurant in Newport Beach.

“During the winter months we sent them candy -- later we found out that the Marines gave it to kids in Iraq,” Marcheano said.

Timothy J. Sloat, a Newport Beach Adoption Committee member said the presentation was just a part of an adoption that should set the tone for others to follow.

“This is just a small example of what an adoption of a Marine Corps unit should be all about,” said Sloat who was a former Marine Corps captain with the battalion during the Vietnam War.

Festivities started with the Marine Corps Recruiting District San Diego Marine Corps Band.

Quickly, show goers shifted their attention from the revving cars to the band that competed with the chirping birds overhead.

When the band stopped, the show began with a presentation of the colors, a patriotic and civic ceremonial remembrance of 9/11 and speeches from many officials -- including 1/1 commanding officer Lt. Col. Dave Furness.

“It’s a great day for America -- and a great day for the battalion