MARINE CORPS BASE HAWAII -- The “Blues on the Bay” air show held a special military appreciation and school visit day Oct. 12.
The day was open to elementary schools from around Oahu, Make-A-Wish Foundation and members of the military family as a way of saying “mahalo” for their service.
The event opened with the United States Army Parachute Team, the Golden Knights, bringing in the national and state flags to salute the military and state residents.
Civilian and military performers wowed children and adults with aerobatic performances, dog fights, helicopter tricks and pyrotechnics, all in preparation for the Navy Flight Demonstration Team, the world-famous Blue Angels.
“We’re here to say ‘thank you’ to the men and women of the armed forces for all that they do for this country,” said Major Clint Harris, Blue Angels pilot. “We’re here for the families who have loved ones deployed and for the Hawaiian community for their support. Thank you for having us.”
Children and adults at the show seemed to share an equal appreciation for the air show as they enjoyed the day.
“I think it’s great to have a military appreciation day at the air show,” said Staff Sgt. Andrew Giermann, operations chief, Headquarters and Service Company, 1st Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment. “It’s nice to have the wife and kids out here having a great day enjoying the show. There’s a lot for the kids to do. You just can’t beat today; it was a really good day. I just got home from deployment to Iraq, so this was a great welcome home from the base.”
Children of service members who live on base were especially excited about the show. They had seen the performers arrive and practice throughout the week, and were anxious to see the show in its entirety.
“The show is loud,” said Kaitlyn Giermann, 8. “I’ve been waiting to see the Blue Angels. They flew over our house yesterday!”
By the end of the day, the military community was anxious for the next two days so they could share what they enjoyed with the outside community.
“The show is pretty cool,” said Sgt. Chris Young, Headquarters Battalion. “It’s a lot more than I expected, and it will be great for the rest of the community to get to join in. We appreciate the military appreciation day greatly. It’s always nice when the community reaches out and shows their appreciation for service members.”
The performers were proud to have a day catered specifically to the school children and service members of Oahu.
“There’s a lot of Marines and Sailors abroad right now, and I just want to say ‘Semper Fi,’” Harris said. “Oorah! Get the job done and come home safely.”