W~H THE 2D MARINE DWISION IN DESERT SHIELD AND DESERT STORM 73 Official USMC photograph Marines of the 2d Division march in the National Victoiy Parade in Washington, D. C. Under a bright and clear sky, members took up their positions and adjusted their uniforms and equipment. The flag-bearers proudly discussed the streamers on their respective unit colors, naming the most famous engagements and honors: World War I and the French Croix de Guerre; World War II and the Presidential Unit Citations; Armed Forces Expeditionary Service; Marine Corps Expeditionary Service. Soon, there would be one more streamer to place on all those banners. At 1045, the massed national colors of all of the coalition forces moved out at the head of the parade. These were followed by the U.S. Army units, and then the Marines. At about 1130, the Marine Band struck up The Marines' Hymn, and the 2d Marine Division stepped off with collective pride. As it turned onto Constitution Avenue, a great cheer was given by the multitudes lining the parade route. The end of the march meant new beginnings for the Marines who had served in the 2d Marine Division during the conflict in the Persian Gulf. Individually, they would he moving to other assignments and new commands. But all they had accomplished together so recently would continue to abide in the division's traditions, lineage, and honors. If this was a time for handshakes and farewells, it was also an opportunity to reflect upon the true accomplishments of the division. Since ancient times, armies have marked success by the trophies captured from the enemy. Using these as an indicator, the 2d Marine Division compiled an outstanding record. Perhaps the most impressive figure was the number of EPWs taken; a total of 13,676 Iraqi soldiers surrendered to the division during the four days of battle. Equipment captured or destroyed in the division's zone of operations totaled more than 500 tanks, 172 field and antiaircraft artillery pieces, and 300 armored personnel carriers.~6First Page | Prev Page | Next Page | Src Image |