MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. -- Hundreds of Camp Pendleton families celebrated Independence Day on the sands of Camp Del Mar with food, fun, music and fireworks, July 4.
To keep with the spirit of the national celebration, Marine Corps Community Services hosted bases’ 2010 Beach Bash for all active duty, retired and reserve service members, their friends and family.
The many activities scattered across the beach included food tents, sand castle competitions, temporary tattooing, barbecue pits and music from live bands. This year’s event kicked off at 6 a.m., and continued late in to the evening.
“The beach bash gives the military and their families an opportunity to enjoy their Fourth of July in a safe place that is close to their homes,” said Michael Wilkinson, deputy director, MCCS Semper Fit Division.
Among the many prizes offered at the bash, the chance to win a brand new car drew in the largest crowd. People gathered around a local car dealer’s booth and placed their names in a box, hoping their name would be the one drawn.
A giant TV screen also played a “Tribute to Heroes” video. The video depicted a compilation of deployment pictures, training clips and many other activities that Camp Pendleton’s service members participate in.
After a dazzling fireworks show after sundown, the Beach Bash continued with an after party that continued through the night.
“It’s such a great opportunity to enjoy time with friends and family,” said Sgt. Matthew Bryson, a small-arms repair technician, Combat Logistics Regiment 17, 1st Marines Logistics Group. “The food, bands and activities were great. I can’t wait to come out for next year’s bash.”