More than 83,000 people attended opening day for the 1984 Louisiana World Exposition in New Orleans recently. Participating in one of the many ceremonies were 100 Marines from the 4th Marine Division and 4th Marine Aircraft Wing. They hoisted 50 American flags to signal the opening of the U.S. Pavilion.
Moments before the Fair's gates opened to the public, a special ceremony was held hosted by Hugh Downs. The United States Marine Band, the "President's Own", based in Washington, DC, played with world famous clarinetist Pete Fountain, as the Governor of Louisiana, Edwin Edwards, and other dignitaries looked on.
The theme of the Fair is "The World of Rivers: Fresh Water as a Source of Life." The Fair is appropriately located on 150 acres on the "East Bank" of the Mississippi River, which bisects the city made famous by its cajun/creole cuisine and annual Mardi Gras celebrations.
