Parade and celebration salute Hawaii-based troops

'I Got Chicken Skin'

When marching in parade formation, soldiers, Marines and sailors are not supposed to turn their heads to the left or right, or show emotion.

But some who participated in yesterday's "Salute to Our Troops" parade put on by the USO Hawaii said they couldn't help but shed a tear as they marched down Kalakaua Avenue to Kapiolani Park.

From the crowd lining the street they heard: "Go Navy." "Go Army." "Thank you." "Mahalo."

"God bless you."

"I got chicken skin," said Spc. Livia Marcelo, a cargo specialist for the 411th Army Reserve who comes from the Philippines.

"It was moving," said Spc. Rebecca Cardon, also a cargo specialist for the 411th, who comes from El Paso, Texas. "I didn't think I'd feel that way either."

"It made me feel proud to be in the military and to serve," said Staff Sgt. George Daoang, who has 31 years in the 411th Engineer Brigade.

Following the hour-long parade with more than 4,500 troops participating, the focus shifted to Kapiolani Park. There, the military personnel and their families spread out for a picnic and day in the park, complete with a variety of food, musical entertainment and bouncing castles for the kids.

"This is wonderful. This is exactly what we had hoped for," said Herman "Butch" Finley, president of the board of USO Hawaii, as he looked up at blue skies with a few fluffy white clouds and around him at thousands of people having a good time.

"I think it really helps the troops to know they have public support," said Tech. Sgt. Blaine Osato, a member of the Hawaii National Guard who spent the afternoon showing the inside of a light armored vehicle to children and parents.

Adjutant General Robert Lee, the head of the Hawaii National Guard, was spreading the word among his troops, many of whom served in Afghanistan or Iraq over the past three years, that they are not likely to be activated for war zone duty again for another six years.

"I tell them, 'You can expect some stability now,'" Lee said. "I like seeing all the happy faces."

Judelyn Rodriguez and her three daughters were taking in yesterday's event at the park with her sister, Jovelyn Quiddaoan, and her three sons.

"My sister is my backbone," said Rodriguez, whose husband, George, left last week on his third trip to Iraq in as many years. Because he changed ships from the USS Chosin to the USS Russell, her husband got only one day between tours this time, she said.

His sacrifice was to help keep his wife and family in Hawaii for another year, Rodriguez said: "And he likes it. He likes to serve the country."