December 11, 2025 — The Clovis Young Marines joined youth units from across the nation last week in Hawaii to take part in ceremonies marking the 84th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor. The organization, which serves boys and girls from age eight through high school, emphasizes leadership, discipline, and a drug-free lifestyle.
The trip offered the Clovis participants an opportunity to step beyond their usual training and experience the historic sites of Oahu firsthand. Program leaders described the visit as a defining experience meant to deepen the youths’ understanding of military history and service.
Throughout the week, the Clovis Young Marines took part in several commemorative activities. The group assisted with a beach clean-up at Marine Corps Base Hawaii in Kaneohe Bay and participated in a wreath-laying ceremony at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, also known as the Punchbowl. They also joined the Klipper Ceremony at Marine Corps Base Hawaii and marched in the Pearl Harbor Memorial Parade in Honolulu.
This year’s parade held particular significance for all attending Young Marines units, who were selected to lead the procession. The youth carried banners representing the 12 capital ships attacked on December 7, 1941, performed color guard duties, and supported the operation of floats throughout the event. The parade’s purpose was to honor the heroes and survivors of the Pearl Harbor attack, recognize active-duty military members and veterans, and preserve the memory of the events of 1941.
Young Marine units from 14 states, Washington, D.C., and Hawaii were represented. Each unit raised its own travel funds through local efforts, encouraging members to practice teamwork, leadership, and self-discipline to make the trip possible.
Founded in 1959, the Young Marines program has expanded from a small local unit to more than 200 units worldwide. The organization now includes more than 5,000 youth and nearly 2,000 adult volunteers.
More information about the Young Marines can be found at YoungMarines.org.