Latest news with #MarineWeek
The Sun
28-06-2025
- General
- The Sun
Perhentian Island cleanup nets 70kg trash
BESUT: Driven by a shared commitment to protect marine ecosystems in Malaysia, employee volunteers from Yayasan Sime Darby's (YSD) donor companies took part in a conservation event at Perhentian Island. Organised by YSD as part of its annual environmental volunteerism programme, the initiative was aimed at encouraging active participation in conservation work. The programme led to the construction of five coral blocks, along with the removal of about 70kg of trash from Teluk Keke Beach and 14.5kg of litter from the reefs at D'Lagoon. In an exclusive interview with theSun, YSD CEO Dr Yatela Zainal Abidin said this year, a special initiative was organised in which employee volunteers from Sime Darby Berhad, SD Guthrie Berhad and Sime Darby Property Berhad took part in turtle, coral and seagrass conservation efforts. 'This programme is part of YSD's ongoing environmental volunteerism initiative, which allocates about RM300,000 annually to support employee volunteerism in conservation efforts.' Yatela said this was YSD's second marine conservation effort, with the first held at Tioman Island. She expressed hope that this type of initiative would continue yearly and inspire other organisations to support similar efforts. 'You can't change your lifestyle without understanding the impact. But once you do, you feel empowered to make better choices.' Yatela said YSD partnered with Fuze Ecoteer for two days of cleanups and marine conservation activities and many volunteers had the opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the urgency to protect oceans. Diver volunteer Rabiyatul Adawiyah Mohd Shamsuddin, 37, described the campaign site as beautiful. But like most dive sites today, it showed signs of stress. 'There were areas with damaged corals, and a diver who visited the site last year noted that it had visibly deteriorated since his last trip, which is quite concerning. 'Most of the waste we found were plastic, bottles, wrappers and straws. There were also fishing-related items such as buoys, as well as footwear, glass bottles, fabric and cigarette butts.' She said as a diver, she loves the underwater world and seeing the immediate impact of their efforts, including the process of separating and recording debris gives her a sense of purpose. 'It also makes us more aware of how our everyday actions could harm marine life, which in the end, comes back to affect us.' Rabiyatul said awareness of ocean pollution in Malaysia is still lacking, especially on issues such as littering and the harmful habit of feeding marine animals. 'I hope to see more initiatives in schools, tourist areas and local communities to shift mindsets and habits such as introducing marine-focused clubs and making Marine Week an annual event (in Malaysia). 'Even small efforts could make a difference. Our lives and even the national economy are tied to the health of our oceans, so it deserves far more attention.' Lai Yu Hung, 27, said the event was an eye-opening experience that changed his perception of beach pollution. 'The ocean produces a large portion of the oxygen we breathe, yet awareness remains low. If no one takes action, it would only get worse. So, I took the first step.' Lai said he was shocked by some of the items collected during the cleanup, including an old television and large plastic barrels buried in the sand. 'Our coral reefs are deteriorating. Even small actions such as feeding fish with bread could trigger a chain reaction. 'The fish can't digest the bread, so they stop feeding on the microorganisms that live on coral. When the coral dies, the ecosystem collapses and eventually, it affects all of us. The ocean takes care of us, we need to take care of it too.'
The Sun
28-06-2025
- General
- The Sun
Yayasan Sime Darby leads marine cleanup at Perhentian
BESUT: Driven by a shared commitment to protect marine ecosystems in Malaysia, employee volunteers from Yayasan Sime Darby's (YSD) donor companies took part in a conservation event at Perhentian Island. Organised by YSD as part of its annual environmental volunteerism programme, the initiative was aimed at encouraging active participation in conservation work. The programme led to the construction of five coral blocks, along with the removal of about 70kg of trash from Teluk Keke Beach and 14.5kg of litter from the reefs at D'Lagoon. In an exclusive interview with theSun, YSD CEO Dr Yatela Zainal Abidin said this year, a special initiative was organised in which employee volunteers from Sime Darby Berhad, SD Guthrie Berhad and Sime Darby Property Berhad took part in turtle, coral and seagrass conservation efforts. 'This programme is part of YSD's ongoing environmental volunteerism initiative, which allocates about RM300,000 annually to support employee volunteerism in conservation efforts.' Yatela said this was YSD's second marine conservation effort, with the first held at Tioman Island. She expressed hope that this type of initiative would continue yearly and inspire other organisations to support similar efforts. 'You can't change your lifestyle without understanding the impact. But once you do, you feel empowered to make better choices.' Yatela said YSD partnered with Fuze Ecoteer for two days of cleanups and marine conservation activities and many volunteers had the opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the urgency to protect oceans. Diver volunteer Rabiyatul Adawiyah Mohd Shamsuddin, 37, described the campaign site as beautiful. But like most dive sites today, it showed signs of stress. 'There were areas with damaged corals, and a diver who visited the site last year noted that it had visibly deteriorated since his last trip, which is quite concerning. 'Most of the waste we found were plastic, bottles, wrappers and straws. There were also fishing-related items such as buoys, as well as footwear, glass bottles, fabric and cigarette butts.' She said as a diver, she loves the underwater world and seeing the immediate impact of their efforts, including the process of separating and recording debris gives her a sense of purpose. 'It also makes us more aware of how our everyday actions could harm marine life, which in the end, comes back to affect us.' Rabiyatul said awareness of ocean pollution in Malaysia is still lacking, especially on issues such as littering and the harmful habit of feeding marine animals. 'I hope to see more initiatives in schools, tourist areas and local communities to shift mindsets and habits such as introducing marine-focused clubs and making Marine Week an annual event (in Malaysia). 'Even small efforts could make a difference. Our lives and even the national economy are tied to the health of our oceans, so it deserves far more attention.' Lai Yu Hung, 27, said the event was an eye-opening experience that changed his perception of beach pollution. 'The ocean produces a large portion of the oxygen we breathe, yet awareness remains low. If no one takes action, it would only get worse. So, I took the first step.' Lai said he was shocked by some of the items collected during the cleanup, including an old television and large plastic barrels buried in the sand. 'Our coral reefs are deteriorating. Even small actions such as feeding fish with bread could trigger a chain reaction. 'The fish can't digest the bread, so they stop feeding on the microorganisms that live on coral. When the coral dies, the ecosystem collapses and eventually, it affects all of us. The ocean takes care of us, we need to take care of it too.'
Yahoo
07-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
USMC Silent Drill Platoon performs at LHS
Lebanon High School hosted the United States Marine Corps' Silent Drill Platoon in a special performance as part of the USMC's 250th anniversary. The platoon, known for choreographed marching and percussive rhythm using specialized M1 rifles, made a special trip to Lebanon as part of Marine Week Nashville. Nashville was one of six cities the USMC visited as part of the military branch's 250th birthday. Staff Sergeant Anthony Havens said hours upon hours of training, repetition and preparation go into each performance the Silent Drill Platoon holds across the country. 'The hardest thing to overcome is yourself,' Sgt. Havens said. 'You have 39 other individuals who are all on the same page. Driven, focused, tenacious, it makes it a lot easier. I would say to those who are thinking about joining, it's a challenge. If you're up for it, I encourage you to accept it. It's like the cliche goes, nothing worth having comes easy.' Veterans sat in attendance to watch as the Marines, using ceremonial rifles designed specifically for performances like the Silent Drill Platoon's, spun them around, passed them back and forth and used the butt of the stock as a loud 'thud' to accent certain beats of the performance, which is not unlike a drum line. Lance Corporal Jalen Jones, a Tennessee native, joined the Marine Corps to look for a purpose, to keep from 'just sitting around.' 'For the Wilson County community to experience the Silent Drill Platoon, it gives an opportunity for them to see the magic of what the Marines do,' Joseph Padilla, Wilson County Schools board member and veteran, said.
Yahoo
02-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Marine Corps celebrating 250th birthday with week of events in Nashville
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — As part of the year-long 250th birthday celebration for the U.S. Marine Corps, numerous events are taking place around Nashville this week. According to officials, Marine Week Nashville will offer an array of military equipment, aircraft, military bands, and opportunities to meet Marines as they set up interactive displays and participate in community relations projects across the city. 101st Airborne Division welcomes new commanding general at Change of Command ceremony The Marine Corps already kicked off the celebration at the NASCAR Cup Series at the Nashville Superspeedway in Lebanon on Sunday, June 1, but here's the schedule for the rest of the week: Monday, June 2 Physical training with the Marines at Bicentennial State Park in Nashville from 7 a.m. to 8 a.m. (with registration at 6:30 a.m.) Morning colors ceremony at 8 a.m. and evening colors ceremony at 8 p.m. at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum in Nashville Wreath laying ceremony at the Bicentennial State Park World War II Memorial in Nashville from 9 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. Folds of Honor Tennessee Rock 'n' Jock Celebrity Softball Game at First Horizon Park in Nashville at 6:30 p.m. (with a performance by the Silent Drill Platoon, Color Guard, and Band prior to the National Anthem) Tuesday, June 3 Physical training with the Marines at Bicentennial State Park in Nashville from 7 a.m. to 8 a.m. (with registration at 6:30 a.m.) Morning colors ceremony at 8 a.m. and evening colors ceremony at 8 p.m. at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum in Nashville Wreath laying ceremony at the Bicentennial State Park World War II Memorial in Nashville from 9 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. Marine Corps Martial Arts and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Collaboration Profectus Jiu-Jitsu at 69 Lindsley Avenue in Nashville from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. Civic Plaza 250th ceremony at 111 West Vine Street in Murfreesboro from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. (with a cake cutting and proclamation with performances by the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing Band and the Silent Drill Platoon) Wednesday, June 4 Physical training with the Marines at Bicentennial State Park in Nashville from 7 a.m. to 8 a.m. (with registration at 6:30 a.m.) Morning colors ceremony at 8 a.m. and evening colors ceremony at 8 p.m. at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum in Nashville Commemoration ceremony at Bicentennial State Park World War II Memorial in Nashville at 10 a.m. Thursday, June 5 Morning colors ceremony at 8 a.m. and evening colors ceremony at 8 p.m. at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum in Nashville Wreath laying ceremony at the Bicentennial State Park World War II Memorial in Nashville from 9 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. Marines 250 at CMA Fest in Nashville from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. 'Join us at Marine Corps Alley, climb aboard Marine Corps equipment, try on gear, test yourself with a pull-up challenge, and enjoy performances by 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing Band. The outdoor display will be at 4th and Broadway as well as an indoor activation across the street at Music City Center,' the Marine Week website states. Friday, June 6 Morning colors ceremony at 8 a.m. and evening colors ceremony at 8 p.m. at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum in Nashville Wreath laying ceremony at the Bicentennial State Park World War II Memorial in Nashville from 9 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. Marines 250 at CMA Fest at 201 Rep. John Lewis Way S in Nashville from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Nashville Sounds baseball game featuring the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing Band, a flyover, a National Anthem Singer, and Color Guard, as well as a Poolee swearing-in ceremony, at First Horizon Park in Nashville, where the gates open at 5:35 p.m. Saturday, June 7 Marines 250 at CMA Fest at 201 Rep. John Lewis Way S in Nashville from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, June 8 Marines 250 at CMA Fest at 201 Rep. John Lewis Way S in Nashville from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. To learn more about the Marines' 250th birthday celebration, click here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
