Yuma Young Marines Travel to Pearl Harbor, Honor World War II Remembrance

Twenty one youth members of the Territorial Young Marines based in Yuma visited Pearl Harbor on December 8, 2025 for memorial ceremonies and related educational programming. The group attended remembrance events, toured historic sites tied to the December 7 attack, and spent a night aboard the USS Missouri, gaining hands on exposure to a pivotal chapter in American history.

Local fundraisers underwrote the trip. Organizers said car washes and community donations covered travel and lodging for the group, allowing the unit to participate in a national commemoration without placing the full cost burden on families. The fundraising model reflects a common funding structure for community youth organizations where private giving and volunteer efforts fill gaps left by limited public support.

The visit served multiple local purposes. For participating young people, it provided experiential history education beyond classroom lectures, linking curriculum to real sites and artifacts. For Yuma as a community, the Young Marines served as local representatives at a nationally observed event, reinforcing civic ties between the region and the nation s military history. Leaders described the experience as a meaningful connection to U.S. history and an opportunity for youth leadership development.

There are broader policy implications. Reliance on ad hoc fundraising for educational travel can limit equitable access, since communities without similar donor networks may not be able to offer comparable experiences to their youth. Local policymakers and school officials may consider whether modest grants or partnership programs could expand access to experiential learning for more students, especially for costly out of state travel.

Economically the trip had modest local impacts. Funds raised stayed within the community during the campaign stage and created intangible benefits through increased civic engagement and visibility for Yuma programs. In the longer term, opportunities like this can strengthen community volunteer networks and sustain support for veterans and youth initiatives.

The Territorial Young Marines return to Yuma with new historical knowledge and civic experiences that leaders hope will translate into sustained local involvement and deeper appreciation for national remembrance traditions.