Eight Young Marines from across the nation along with ten cadets from five countries visited Arlington and Washington, D.C., as part of the Army Cadet Exchange Program on July 23.
“We take Young Marines from around the nation and they act as the host, and for two weeks the Young Marines and cadets come together to exchange military culture,” said Joseph Bles, Inspector General for the Young Marines National Headquarters in Washington, D.C. “The visit happens once a year.”
Young Marines from as far as California and cadets from as far as Korea converged in Virginia on July 16 for the two week exchange program.
“This is my first time with the Army Cadet Exchange Program,” said Claude, 16, from Euskirchen, Germany. “It’s a great program; it’s a breathtaking experience, and American food is fabulous.”
Young Marines as young as 16 are eligible to participate in the exchange program.
“It’s an indescribable feeling,” said Emily, 17, from the West Virginia Tri-State Young Marines Unit. “The program helps strengthen the lives of America’s youth. One of the big differences between us and the cadets is our uniforms and terminology.”
After the visit to the cemetery, the Young Marines and cadets visited the U.S. Army Caisson Platoon stables in Fort Myer followed by a trip to Washington, D.C., to view the 8th & I evening parade.
“The Young Marines and cadets enjoyed seeing the history behind the Marine Corps at the Arlington National cemetery and the National Museum of the Marine Corps,” said Jim Scott, the Quantico Young Marines Executive Officer. “Actually seeing the history brought it to life for them.”
For more information about the Young Marines Program, visit www.youngmarines.com.
-- Correspondent: judith.willis@usmc.mil