MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. -- As rays of the setting sun streaked down through the trees surrounding Camp Pendleton’s Ranch House, service members, family and friends celebrated the base’s 67th anniversary during an evening colors ceremony, Oct. 15.
More than 100 local residents were welcomed by Col. Nicholas F. Marano, commanding officer, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, in a ceremony to recognize them, and the civilians that continue to serve those who serve.
“We are located on the junction of the two roads that typify the honor courage and tradition of the Marine Corps, named after a couple of war heroes of the 1st Marine Division, Gen. Vandegrift and Gunnery Sgt. John Basilone,” said Marano. “Now I’m not sure exactly what either of those Marines would say..." he said as he was interrupted by an explosion which echoed throughout the base, that he termed the sound of freedom. Marano continued, that though unsure of what Vandegrift and Basilone would say, he knows for a fact that their contemporaries consider today's Marines to be "...something to admire and behold."
Marano spoke of how the base has evolved since World War II, and highlighted programs and technologies that are now becoming available.
The 220-square mile parcel of land on which Camp Pendleton sits, was purchased in the early 1940s for $4.2 million.
Marano continued, illustrating how much the base has progressed since its establishment.
“On this base we have 58 construction projects that are active with a value of approximately $1.2 billion,” said Marano. “We are currently employing 5,000 construction workers, but by the spring that number will ramp up to about 10,000.”
Following Marano’s closing remarks, the color guard retired the colors at sunset to the sounds of the 1st Marine Division band.
“It is very easy to go out in the community and talk about what our Marines and sailors are doing today,” said John E. Ryan, chairman of Camp Pendleton’s Armed Services YMCA. “What ever people’s positions are on our involvement overseas, they support our armed services 100 percent, and are very sensitive to the sacrifices our men and women are making in the armed services.”
This kind of ceremony brings us in together, said Ryan.