Pasadena Honors Marines and Sailors of 2nd Battalion, 23rd Regiment With Return of Yellow Ribbon

William Paparian speaking at the ceremony (Photo – Sona Paparian)

On the morning of Saturday, December 13, Pasadena marked a long-awaited moment as the Yellow Ribbon was formally returned to the Marines and Sailors of 2nd Battalion, 23rd Marine Regiment (2/23) at their headquarters in Pasadena.

By Rena Kurlander

The ceremony, held at 11:00 am, celebrated the conclusion of a year-long tradition that began on Veterans Day of the previous year.

The Yellow Ribbon, a powerful symbol of support and solidarity, had been entrusted to Pasadena by the Battalion in 2023. For the past year, it proudly stood in the city’s Council Chambers, serving as a constant reminder of the hundreds of local men and women deployed thousands of miles away in the Indo-Pacific, where they safeguarded freedom and security while their families and the community carried on at home.

With the safe return of every Marine and Sailor and the successful completion of their mission, the city was honored to return the Yellow Ribbon to its rightful place with the 2/23. The ceremony, held at 2699 Paloma Street, was attended by community members, military families, and local leaders, all gathered to pay tribute to the remarkable service and sacrifice of these brave men and women.

“Being a Pasadena Marine means that you come from a city where there is no military/civilian divide, where its citizens hold you in the highest regard and are eternally grateful to you for your service to our nation and to this city,” said William M. Paparian. “Pasadena will always have your six. Semper Familia.”

As the Yellow Ribbon was returned, it symbolized the unity, unwavering support, and gratitude the community holds for those who serve.