NEW ORLEANS -- “Atten-hut!”
The Marines snapped their heels together, preparing for the march ahead of them. They were formed in four platoons, supported by four vehicles and led by their commanding officer.
“Right face!”
Guidons whipped in the wind as the Marines waited to step off. Sgt. Maj. Eric Kuhns, battalion sergeant major for Headquarters Battalion, Marine Forces Reserve took a deep breath before finally advancing the troops.
Boots stomped against the pavement as the Marines marched steadily forward. Their target wasn’t a hostile enemy. It wasn’t a hill or a bunker or a compound. The Marines were marching to show their pride and appreciation for a community that supports them.
Marine Forces Reserve participated in the parade celebrating Louisiana’s bicentennial on Saturday, marching nearly two miles through downtown New Orleans with thousands of New Orleanians cheering along the roadsides.
“It was an absolute privilege for the Marines of Marine Forces Reserve to participate in the parade today, honoring veterans and those who have come before us,” said Kuhns. “They have passed on a legacy that we carry with us.”
In addition to the Marines celebrating their community and legacy, they were celebrating their birthday. Saturday marked the 237th anniversary of the first two battalions of Marines being formed in Tun Tavern, Philadelphia on Nov. 10, 1775.
“Wherever Marines are around the world, whether it’s in the United States or in Afghanistan, we take pause to celebrate our birthday,” said Lt. Col. Brian Hardy, commanding officer of MARFORRES, HQ Bn. “For us to get a chance to do it today in front of the people of New Orleans was really special.”
The Marines were joined by contingents of the Army, Louisiana National Guard, Navy, Air Force and Coast Guard, as well as several military and veterans organizations from around the region.
“It was phenomenal to see all of the Marine Corps veterans in the crowd,” said Hardy. “I saw more Marine T-shirts and signs than anything else. The support was great.”
The Marines of Marine Forces Reserve also celebrated their birthday with a unit run, led by Lt. Gen. Steven A. Hummer, commander of MARFORRES, as well as a cake-cutting ceremony on Wednesday, Nov. 7. Marine Forces Reserve is holding their annual birthday ball on Nov. 17 in New Orleans.
Marine Forces Reserve is headquartered in New Orleans, staffed by more than 1,000 Marines. Its mission is to organize, man, equip, train and sustain approximately 40,000 drilling Reserve Marines and approximately 60,000 Individual Ready Reserve Marines to support combatant commanders around the world to maintain a ready, relevant and operational Reserve force.