Camp Pendleton battalion honored with homecoming parade in San Clemente
Marines from nearby Camp Pendleton were celebrated Friday, Nov. 9, during a homecoming parade that stretched through San Clemente and ended at Park Semper Fi.
The Marines, assigned to the 2nd Battalion/4th Marines, were recognized for their recent six-month deployment to Australia.
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While deployed, the Marines trained and partnered with the Australian Defense Force to strengthen their alliance in the Indo-Pacific region. It was the largest group – nearly 1,600 Marines – sent to Australia in the seven years of the joint training effort.
“(It was) a validation of America and Australia’s 100 years of mateship,” said Lt. Col. Warren Cook Jr., commanding officer of the 2nd Battalion/4th Marines. “I’d like to thank all the Marines who made the deployment a success through their hard work and dedication to our mission.”
About 2,000 community members lined the road and cheered as Marines and classic cars carrying retired Marines who served with the battalion traveled along Avenda Del Mar to the Pier Bowl. The event not only celebrated their homecoming, but also acknowledged Veterans Day and the Marine Corps birthday on Nov. 10.
The memorial held at the end of the parade route was sponsored by the Heritage of San Clemente Foundation and the city.
The battalion, based at San Mateo at Camp Pendleton’s north end, was adopted by the city in 1996. San Clemente was one of the first cities in the nation to adopt a Marine unit. There have been two other parades in town in that time.
The community’s commitment “to our adopted unit, goes beyond parades, barbecues,” said former Mayor Wayne Eggleston, who is also the director of the Marine Monument at Park Semper Fi. “It is forever, supporting their military efforts and helping their families through the good and difficult times. Our community stands very proud in this commitment.”