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 The memorial service was held on the island of Oahu at Marine
Corps Base Hawaii in Kaneohe Bay, the home base for more than 6,000
Marines.
"As I look into the crowd, I can see that this tragedy has affected
the entire community," Marine Lieutenant Colonel Eric Purcell said.
The service was shown live on the Internet.
The Marines were full of "joy and hope" and showed a willingness to
"train at any time" that contributed to the defense of the United
States, Purcell said.
They were officially classified as deceased on Wednesday after the
U.S. Coast Guard, military, police and others ended their search. No
bodies were found. The cause is under investigation.
 The Marines were on board two CH-53E helicopters on a training
mission off Oahu on Jan. 14 when the crash occurred. The death toll
made it one of the worst training mishaps for the U.S. military in
the last decade.
Last year, an Army Black Hawk helicopter crashed off the coast of
Florida, killing 11 service members.
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Friday's service in Hawaii began with Marines in dress uniform
ceremoniously striding up to a dozen crosses that represented their
fallen comrades. In succession, the honor guard covered each cross
with a helmet, a vest and a wreath, then placed a rifle and boots at
its base.
"Communities from coast-to-coast are mourning these Marines, and our
nation is forever grateful for their patriotism, service, and
sacrifice," President Barack Obama said in a statement.
(Reporting by Alex Dobuzinskis in Los Angeles; Editing by Daniel
Wallis, Toni Reinhold)
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