SAN DIEGO (AP) -- The newest additions to the United States Marines Corps see their families for the first time in 13 weeks Thursday.

Before graduating the newly formed Marines were allowed a “Family Day” on Thursday afternoon which granted them the first form of liberty from military training.

FamilyDay was about families going through the traditional motions of meeting other Marine families, learning the history of the Marine Corps, and knowing what is to be expected of their new Marines.

One of the most anticipated events Thursday morning was the Motivational Run in which families get to see their Marines for the first time as they run during training.

Families of the new Marines could be seen huddled close together in order to get a better look at the formation of Marines passing before them.

After the run families still had to wait for their Marines to get into the proper uniform, get into formation and be released for the day.

Janie Ansio, 44, a mother of a graduating Marine said, “I could not believe 13 weeks had gone by and I was finally able to see my son. I just hated having to wait until the proper time to finally hug him.”

While waiting a guide stood in front of a microphone and said, “Please refrain from calling these young men recruits a title they no longer hold, and call them Marines a title well earned.”

Lauren Denson, 20, a wife of a graduating Marine said, “Marines are not made on a daily basis, not even on a weekly basis, but at least once or twice a month a group of men will earn the title Marine. My husband is one of them now.”

When the young men were finally given the order of liberty the families did not hesitate to run up to their newly formed Marines.

Raul Herrera, 23, a new Marine said, “My biggest fear was being held back, it is easy to fail and I saw people who failed little things. That just means more time away from your family.”

After 13 weeks the young men, along with many families and friends, were overwhelmed to finally be able to say they had accomplished what only a few before them had.

“Would I do it all over again? Yes. Yes, I would,” said Herrera. “Not just for my country, not just for my family. I would do it for me and the amazing brotherhood I have now entered.”

Raul Herrera, graduating Marine, released from boot camp.