Marines, sailors and their families joined Headquarters and Support Battalion here to experience various cultures during the International Evening Under the Stars event held at the Lake O’Neil Peninsula here July 12.

The event allowed participants to try food and drinks from different countries around the world.

“This event is like a mix between Octoberfest and a wine tasting,” said Gunnery Sgt. Gabriel Jaramillo, company gunnery sergeant for Headquarters and Service Company, H and S Battalion.

The affair brought together a little piece of places all over the globe, said Cpl. Michael Frantz, the platoon sergeant for the Marine training unit and an attendee at the event.

“This is a great get together to represent some of the different cultures in the world,” said Frantz. “There are all the different Latino cultures, Kenya, the Republic of the Philippines, Iran-- it is awesome seeing all the Marines bring something from their culture to the table.”

According to Jaramillo, the event not only helped the attendees experience different cultures, but it was also a great opportunity for those volunteering at the event.

“For me and my Marines that are here helping out, this event is important because our parents were born in Mexico, and we go there to visit.” Jaramillo said. “This event is a chance to represent our heritage and our culture, and it feels good to represent that.”

Col. Michael R. Cordero, the commanding officer of the battalion, said the night represented everything our country stands for.

“If you go back to the principles our country is founded on, anyone from anywhere could come here and enjoy the freedoms and the democracy we have,” said Cordero.  “We brought the best of all the cultures into one place, and we live in tolerance and respect of those different cultures. The diversity we have here today is what makes our great country that much greater.”

According to Frantz, the night was a great experience for all of those involved.

“I think this was a great opportunity for the participants to trade information. They can learn what other cultures do, how they live and what other heritages are like,” said Frantz.