"It's giving thanks for food, family, community" – US Marines celebrate Thanksgiving together far away from home

The Marines from Camp Lejeune were served turkey, mashed potatoes and other traditional delicacies in Dragsvik, where they have resided since mid-October.

The mess hall of the Nyland Brigade is filled with US Marines. The sea of green army fatigues is waiting in anticipation of the coming feast. 

After a short prayer, the Marines line up for turkey, mashed potatoes, cooked vegetables, and other foodstuffs included in a traditional Thanksgiving meal. 

The Marines from Camp Lejeune in North Carolina, currently stationed in Dragsvik naval base, spent Thanksgiving as Marines far from home do – together. Privates were served first by their superiors and officers ate what's left. 
 
– Sergeants line up if you want anything to eat! barks one of the officers awaiting his turn.

Although many feel homesick during these times, the Marines find solace in each other. Thanks are said out loud before the meal. Some are thankful for the friends they have made and their families, others are simply thankful for the food.

– Thanksgiving; it's giving thanks for food, family, community, says First Lieutenant Thomas Miller.

He explains how Thanksgiving starts the Holidays for many Americans, and is a time for families to come together. Typically relatives gather together, eat and watch football.

Traditions vary greatly, though. One Marine says he and his family eat the Thanksgiving meal the southern way – macaroni and cheese, casseroles, and collard greens. Others favour ham over turkey. For some it's not Thanksgiving without pumpkin pie.

Alas, they have to settle for what's on offer in the mess of the base, far from a Norman Rockwell painting. Even though everything's not as it would be back home, the plates are emptied with care.

Cold weather and black liquorice

Many of the Marines are from Southern states, meaning the cold weather and snow are new experiences for most. 

– Can you say, will it get colder than this? one Marine asks nervously.

It will, but the Marines tell each other that they will get used to it.

Lance Corporal Jordan Pickerill (centre) is thankful for his family and loved ones. Photo: Karoliina Huoplainen

The U.S. Marines with Combat Logistic Battalion 6 have resided in Dragsvik since mid-October, and will continue training next week as part of Naval Exercise Freezing Winds 25. Although the cold has surprised many, the Marines are excited for what's to come on their, for many first, deployment.

Most of the privates did not have much prior knowledge about Finland coming here, but have enjoyed their stay regardless. Finnish black liquorice continues to disgust Lance Corporal Jordan Pickerill, but walkable cities and healthy food have made a positive impact on most.

Furthermore, Finnish hospitality has been exceptional, according to the First Lieutenant. Miller says it's great that the Finnish coast presents unique terrain to the Marines. Both Finnish and American Marines continue to learn from each other. 

– Finns are really easy to train with. Which is what we come here for.