By YM/Cpl Salem Nyari Western New York (NY) I have been a Young Marine for five years. During my time in the program, I have been on Color Guard for three out of the five years. I’ve participated in numerous Color Guard events over the years.However,a recent event was by far the most memorable for me. Early last June, a select few members of The Western New York Young Marines color guard were invited to present col- ors for the National Homeland Security Conference of 2017, which was to be held in the city of Buffalo at the Con- vention Center. More than 1,500 people were ex- pected to be in attendance and it would be one of the largest color guard events that and the Western New York Young Marines and I would have the privilege to attend.   The audience consisted of emergency managers, government of- ficials, and public safety representa- tives. The annual conference provides the opportunity for a direct connection between these groups to share and ex- change ideas about current or future technologies and practices, to ensure the safety of the country and its citizens. Attending the event and being a part of the color guard alongside groups such as the Greater Buffalo Firefight- ers Pipes and Drums, United States Air Force Color Guard, Niagara Falls Airbase, Buffalo Police Department Honor Guard, representatives of the New York State Police and the Niagara County Sheriff’s Department Color Guard strengthened the connection and pride I feel for my unit, the Young Marines program, and my country as well as the people who dedicate their lives to protecting it. It is due to the work of many people that I was able to attend this event, one that I will certainly never forget. Through the event I gained confidence in myself after standing before more than a thousand people, who were all intently watching the color guards.  As the words of the Pledge of Allegiance and The Star Spangled Banner were recit- ed, everyone in the room became united as one.   It was incredible to witness such a large group of people be able to relate so easily through their common goals and missions even though they were from all over the United States (or in some instances, from other coun- tries).  The experience showed us that putting one’s differences aside and com- ing together as a team can yield posi- tive results and foster new connections between people.   Everyone on color guard has their own duties and strengths, which when put together with those of other color guard members, creates a capable team. It would have been impossible for any single member of the color guards to perform all the duties of each other member.  By coming together and help- ing each other out, the color guards and separate groups were able to perform as one cohesive unit. The lessons I learned from the confer- ence, such as those about teamwork and respect for the people that serve to pro- tect our country, are ones that I hope to take with me and apply to my life. I will strive to be the best I can be everyday, at home, in the community, at school, or anywhere else, in order to make myself and those around me proud. The Western New York Young Marines thank Erie County Department of Home- land Security Commissioner Mr. Daniel Neaverth Jr. and Chief of Staff to the Erie County Executive, Jennifer Hibit for their help, and providing us with the op- portunity to attend this event. Our Color Guard, at National Homeland Security Conference By YM/SSgt James Slagle Long Island (NY) On March 11, 2018 the Long Island Young Marines had the privilege to take part in one of the biggest parades in New York. The Parade route was approximately two miles long and consisted of many great people including the VFW Post #6249 in Rocky Point, a Post that greatly supports our unit. The Parade was a great experience for all the Young Marines who participated, we had a great color guard team and a banner to showcase our unit and the program. We saw much support for our unit. After the Parade was over, the Young Marines were invited by VFW Post #6249 to part take in their St. Patrick’s Day Corned Beef & Cabbage Dinner fundraiser. All the Young Marines and registered adults had a great time and we are eager to participate in next year’s events. A St. Patrick’s Day Parade in New York MY YM UNIT YOUNG MARINES ESPRIT ONLINE 15