MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. -- Marines from 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, gathered here Nov. 9 for a Marine Corps birthday and Veteran’s Day celebration run.
Every stateside unit of 2nd Marine Division came together for the event at W.P.T. Hill Memorial Field.
“This is an opportunity where Second Marine Division as a whole can get together and bond,” said Master Gunnery Sgt. Kevin Pettway, operations chief, 2nd Marine Division.
The formation of nearly 4,000 Marines stood at attention while morning colors played. When colors ended, Brig. Gen. David H. Berger, assistant division commander, turned to the Marines and started the run by shouting the division motto, “Follow Me”.
The troops ran from the field to 8th Marine Regiment headquarters building and continued back where Berger addressed the crowd and explained the reasons behind holding this annual run.
“We ran this morning for pride,” Berger said. “You look at those battle streamers on each one of those colors. There’s a reason we carry them in combat and a reason we’re carrying them this morning. Those battle streamers mean a lot of people came before us, passed on traditions and a legacy we’re going to continue.”