HONOLULU -- More than 40 Marines with 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment convoyed to the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific in Honolulu during a battalion motorcycle ride to read two Medal of Honor citations of fallen Marines from 3rd Marine Division and 3rd Marine Regiment, Nov. 15, 2013.
The Marines departed from the battalion parking lot after a proper safety check. In sticks of 7-to-10, riders hit the road and headed toward the cemetery.
“This is one of the first rides I’ve done with the battalion, and it’s pretty cool to ride next to everyone,” said Cpl. Kevin Austin, a squad leader with Golf Co., 2nd Bn., 3rd Marines, and 21-year-old native of Allendale, Mich. “You’re not thinking about your job when you’re riding, but you know it’s not about having a day off. You’re going to a memorial to honor these guys.”
Upon their arrival at the National Memorial Cemetery, the Marines gathered by a dedication stone before the memorial devoted to the fallen service members buried in the cemetery. The stone read:
“In these gardens are recorded the names of Americans who gave their lives in the service of their country and whose earthly resting place is known only to God.”
Around the platform, Marines read off Medal of Honor citations of the two fallen Marines.
“These rides are nice because you get to connect with everybody,” said Lance Cpl. Adrian Talamante, a rifleman with Fox Co., 2nd Bn., 3rd Marines, and 21-year-old native of San Diego. “We’re not just improving our riding skills on the bikes, but we’re learning about what these fallen Marines did for us. It’s an experience that hits home.”
Once the citations were read, the riders ventured off to view different areas around the memorial.
“We do the best we can to tie our bike rides to (professional military education) because it not only enhances our culture, but it also raises awareness for the Marines,” said Capt. Marques Henderson, Headquarters and Service Company commander, 2nd Bn., 3rd Marines, and 33-year-old native of Philadelphia. “Just being out here is incredible, and these Medal of Honor citations remind us why we’re out here.”
Since its dedication on Sept. 2, 1949, the cemetery has interred approximately 53,000 veterans from World War I, World War II, the Korean War and Vietnam.
After observing the different memorials around the cemetery, the Marines got back on their motorcycles and exited the premises in a large group.
“Visiting the cemetery really puts things into perspective,” Austin explained. “I sit here and think, ‘Wow, this could have easily been me.’ So, I’m really thankful for their service and the sacrifice they made for our freedom.”