San Diego, besides being a tourist town, is above all a Navy and Marine town. This young Marine will be joining the rest of his group for another tour in Iraq at the end of the month. They put down their musical instruments and pick up their rifles.

He is part of the talented 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing Band which performed today in Webb Park to kick off our Fourth of July Celebrations. The music was wonderful, and I had tears of pride and sorrow for these young people who so bravely go in harms way to serve their country.

After receiving a round of applause for the music, he said, "Thanks, but I'm not quitting my day job!"

The Marine Corps has suffered over 6000 casualties in George Bush’s war. A great many of them were stationed in the San Diego area.