Garden City's Locust School hosted the 2nd Platoon of the 2nd Battalion, 25th Marine Regiment last month, under the direction of Gunnery Sgt. James DuPont, father of a Locust School kindergartner.

Anna Smith led all students in singing patriotic songs, including Grand Old Flag, This Land Is Your Land and God Bless America. All kindergarten and first grade students in the primary schools - Locust, Hemlock and Homestead - made the Marines tokens of their appreciation.

Marines received cards with drawings and messages of support and well wishes. Laminated for durability, these cards were designed to be small enough to be carried by the Marines as they are deployed. Students officially presented the cards to the Marines Jan. 18. Moreover, Locust School classes designed class posters, which will be displayed at the base in Garden City.