YOMITAN VILLAGE, Okinawa -- Officials from U.S. Army Garrison Okinawa attended the 40th annual Yomitan Festival Oct. 26, as thousands gathered to bring the three-day event to a close.

"Our relationship with the people of Yomitan Village and its leaders is vital, in that we strive to work towards common goals while gaining a better understanding of our respective cultures," said Lt. Col. Eric Martinez, U.S. Army Garrison - Okinawa Commander. "The lines of communication are always open between us, as we continue to build a solid partnership moving into the future. As neighbors and friends, we continually seek to foster and sustain effective community partnerships to improve the quality of life for Soldiers, civilians and their Families."

The festival featured a bounty of food, fun, fireworks and more while culminating in "The Play of Taki," in which a large trading ship or "Shinkosen" navigated through the crowd representing a successful sea voyage.