NEW YORK (April 25, 2008) — The U.S. Marine Corps will be hosting Marine-themed festivities showcasing various military demonstrations and cutting-edge defense systems in Manhattan May 23-24 as part of Fleet Week 2008.

The “Marine Days” will take place in two locations: at Central Park, at Dead Road on 5th Avenue and 72nd St., May 23; and also in Times Square between Broadway and 7th Ave., on 43rd St., May 24. Both events will take place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Several revolutionary defense systems expected to commence the next era of Marine combat will be on display at the event, including the Mine Resistant Ambush Protected Vehicle, the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System, and the Expeditionary Fighting Vehicle.

Several of the familiar staples of the Marine Corps will also be on display, including a variety of weapons characteristic of a Marine infantry battalion and a demonstration of several non-lethal weapons used by Marines during military operations other than war.

Other demonstrations include military working dogs and their Marine handlers; Marine drill instructors from Parris Island; and the special military-tailored adaptation of martial arts, which all Marines are versed in, known as the Marine Corps Martial Arts Program. Marines will also be available for camouflage painting demonstrations.

Live music will be provided by some of New York’s local bands.

Marines supporting the event are part of a Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force from 2nd Battalion, 10th Marines, of Camp Lejeune, N.C.

For more information about Marine Day or Fleet Week 2008, contact the U.S. Marine Corps Public Affairs Office, New York City, or visit the NYC Marines Web site at www.nycmarines.org.