NEW YORK -- The Marines of Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force New York displayed Marine Corps vehicles, weapons and tactics for passersby during Marine Day at Times Square May 28.
Tourists and local New Yorkers got the chance to watch martial arts and military working dog demonstrations thought the day.
"This whole area was packed with people watching and taking pictures," said Cpl. Caiden Cathey, a motor transport mechanic who demonstrated Marine Corps Martial Arts Program moves for the crowds. "The little kids especially loved hitting the bags; they'd cry when their parents decided to leave."
A drill instructor was on hand with a pull-up bar to give civilians a taste of the Marine Corps' fitness standards.
"The really impressive ones have been the females," said Staff Sgt. Paris Mintz in between counting pull ups and timing flexed arm hangs. "Some females hung for like 130 seconds."
Visitors also clamored aboard a Marine Corp High Mobility Artillery Rocket System vehicle and handled Marine weaponry.
Many took photos with Marines, asking countless questions about life in the Corps.
"I think it's surprising that they're so friendly," said Toronto native Carrie Tersigni after reviewing a photo she took with a group of Marines. "They're always so straight faced."