Both American and Okinawan participants who form the West team work together to pull the giant rope in order to beat the East during the Okinawan International Carnival giant tug-of-war, Nov. 28. American and Okinawan volunteers worked together the week prior to the event to build the giant rope used in the competition. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Brooke P. Beers/Released)

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Eisa drummers perform during the Okinawa International Carnival, Nov. 28. The carnival is an opportunity for the Americans and Okinawans to celebrate more than two decades of history between each other. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Brooke P. Beers/Released)

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Participants in the giant tug-of-war competition during the Okinawa International Carnival, Nov. 28, lift the rope to the center of the street to be connected with its other half. The competition is "West versus the East" and is a chance for Americans and Okinawans to work side by side. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Brooke P. Beers/Released)

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Children participate in their own tug-of-war competition during the Okinawa International Carnival, Nov. 28. The carnival is for both Americans and Okinawans to come together and celebrate their friendship. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Brooke P. Beers/Released)

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The giant rope for the tug-of-war contest lays on Gate 2 Street at the start of the Okinawa International Carnival, Nov. 28. The carnival is for both Americans and Okinawans to come together and celebrate their friendship. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Brooke P. Beers/Released)

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Okinawans dressed as a king and queen dance during a parade during the Okinawan International Carnival, Nov. 28. The carnival included a parade, local food and a giant tug-of-war competition. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Brooke P. Beers/Released)

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An Okinawan woman dances for the audience during a parade at the Okinawan International Carnival, Nov. 28. The carnival is for both Americans and Okinawans to come together and celebrate their friendship. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Brooke P. Beers/Released)

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U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Matt Molloy, 18th Wing commander, speaks to the crowd at the Okinawa International Carnival, Nov. 28. The carnival included a parade, local food and a giant tug-of-war competition. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Brooke P. Beers/Released)

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Okinawans, Americans bond during Okinawa International Carnival

Published Nov. 28, 2011
By Airman 1st Class Brooke P. Beers
18 WG/PA

KADENA AIR BASE, Japan -- Okinawans and Americans spent time together during the annual Okinawan International Carnival, Nov. 26, 2011.

The carnival was an opportunity to celebrate the more than two decades of history between Kadena and Okinawa.

The carnival included a parade, food and a giant tug-of-war competition.