Park Walkway Dedicated to U.S. Marines

At a solemn ceremony Aug. 27, the city of Santee dedicated the walkway at Town Center Community Park in honor of two U.S. Marine units.

The paved path, which is two-thirds of a mile long, was dedicated in honor of the Camp Pendleton-based 2^nd Battalion, 1^st Marines Division, also known as “The Professionals,” and the “Heavy Haulers,” Heavy Helicopter Squadron 462 from Marine Corps Air Station Miramar.

The Mayor and city council members presided over the ceremony, which was attended by other elected officials from the region, and several members of the two Marine units.

A Marine officer read the names of several Marines who have been killed during the two wars in the Middle East.

At the conclusion of the ceremony, the Mayor and city council members gave a signal allowing a Marine color guard to place the first “boots on the ground” along the memorial walkway.

U.S. Marine color guard took the first steps
on the Town Center Park walkway
after it was dedicated Aug. 27

The city has “adopted” the two Marine units through the Americans Supporting Americans program.

The community has hosted "thank you" events for the Marines and their families. The Marines, in turn, have volunteered at special events put on by the city, including the annual Santee Salutes 4ty of July celebration.