MARINE CORPS BASE HAWAII, KANEOHE BAY, Hawaii -- The streets of Waikiki were lined with civilians, veterans and military members Saturday, as members of different groups and organizations, brought together by United States Organization Hawaii, paraded by in recognition of the service and dedication of Hawaii service members who protect the United States.
The recognition ceremony kicked off in the morning with a parade that began at Fort DeRussy and ended at Kapiolani Park.
"The parade was really amazing," said Cpl. Greg Corbett, administrative clerk, 3rd Marine Regiment, here. "There were Marines, Sailors, and members of all of the other services there, marching. The coolest thing was the people marching in the Red Coats' uniform."
The Red Coats that Corbett was referring to are members of the Fife and Drum Corps, United States Army 3rd Infantry Regimen, Fort Meyer, Va. - also known as "The Old Guard," - a total of 51 soldiers who are on active duty, who are specifically recruited to continue the Army's time-honored tradition of providing ceremonial support.
The end of the parade signaled the beginning of a pre-concert in Kapiolani Park that featured performances by Makaha Sons, Kapena, and many other bands and performers.
"We just wanted to put on something really nice for the service members on Oahu," said Cassandra Isidro, executive director, USO Hawaii. "It's a way for us to give a little something back to the people who do so much for us and our country."
After the final act of the pre-concert, a formal program was held which introduced several guest speakers, one of whom was Hawaii's Governor Linda Lingle who thanked all of the troops for providing the U.S. with security and keeping us safe.
"We're here to salute all Hawaii-based military personnel, including men and women of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, National Guard and Reserves," Isidro said.
Once the formal program concluded, the main stage opened and the headlining act, three-time Grammy Award-winning R&B singer John Legend performed.
"This large-scale, all day event is reminiscent of the days of Bob Hope's grand USO events and an example of the USO Hawaii's expanding presence in Hawaii," said Isidro. "Local government, businesses and the community have stepped forward in support of this event to salute our Hawaii-based military and make it a free event for everyone. We realize that the military are part of our community, and we want to say 'mahalo' for their service and sacrifice."
According to Corbett, the parade and concert was a nice gesture and made him feel good about the job he is doing for his country.
"It's good to be recognized every once in a while," said Corbett. "When people say thank you for the job we do, it makes it all worth it."