DLIFLC celebrates Independence Day with Monterey County

By Petty Officer 2nd Class Steven Shepard, Presidio of Monterey Public AffairsJuly 10, 2009

DLIFLC celebrates Independence Day with Monterey County
(Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines representing the Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center marched across Downtown Monterey for an estimated 3,000 people who showed up for the Independence Day parade July 4.

The parade was preceded by a flag raising ceremony in which 40 DLI military members placed flags along Alvarado St. and then rendered honors to the individual flags during the playing of the National Anthem.

DLI's Color Guard kicked off the parade by marching a route that began at Alvarado and Polk streets and continued to Del Monte Avenue then down Calle Principal in Downtown Monterey. The Color Guard was followed by 20 person units from the Army, Marines, Navy and Air Force.

"It was a great day to celebrate with such wonderful people," said Ensign Daniel Marion, who led the Navy formation. "It's great that people have this opportunity to see our professionalism and teamwork and also for the Sailors to view the appreciation that the crowd has for us."

Seaside also reaped the benefits of a military procession the following day during their 60th Independence Day celebration.

"I am proud of all of you who gave up a little of your holiday to help people reflect on the sacrifices members of the armed services have made since 1776," DLI Commandant Col. Sue Ann Sandusky said.

"It is a great American tradition to celebrate the Fourth of July with a parade in the downtown of a town or city."