W~H THE 2D MARINE DWISION IN DESERT SHIELD AND DESERT STORM             73


                                                    Official USMC photograph
Marines of the 2d Division march in the National Victoiy Parade in Washington, D. C.

Under a bright and clear sky, members took up their positions and adjusted their
uniforms and equipment. The flag-bearers proudly discussed the streamers on
their respective unit colors, naming the most famous engagements and honors:
World War I and the French    Croix de Guerre; World War II        and the
Presidential Unit Citations; Armed Forces Expeditionary Service; Marine Corps
Expeditionary Service. Soon, there would be one more streamer to place on all
those banners.
    At 1045, the massed national colors of all of the coalition forces moved out
at the head of the parade. These were followed by the U.S. Army units, and
then the Marines. At about 1130, the Marine Band struck up The Marines'
Hymn,   and the 2d Marine Division stepped off with collective pride. As it
turned onto Constitution Avenue, a great cheer was given by the multitudes
lining the parade route. The end of the march meant new beginnings for the
Marines who had served in the 2d Marine Division during the conflict in the
Persian Gulf. Individually, they would he moving to other assignments and new
commands. But all they had accomplished together so recently would continue
to abide in the division's traditions, lineage, and honors.
    If this was a time for handshakes and farewells, it was also an opportunity
to reflect upon the true accomplishments of the division. Since ancient times,
armies have marked success by the trophies captured from the enemy. Using
these as an indicator, the 2d Marine Division compiled an outstanding record.
Perhaps the most impressive figure was the number of EPWs taken; a total of
13,676 Iraqi soldiers surrendered to the division during the four days of battle.
Equipment captured or destroyed in the division's zone of operations totaled
more than 500 tanks, 172 field and antiaircraft artillery pieces, and 300 armored
personnel carriers.~6