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Marching along

If you are ever in the Washington, D.C., area from late spring through summer, there are two significant events you should try to attend: the Evening Parade at Marine Barracks Washington, D.C., or the Sunset Parade at the Marine Corps War Memorial.

Both are presented by Marines from the barracks, at 8th and I streets in Southeast D.C.

The parade season runs from the beginning of May until the end of August. Within this timeframe, there are two different parades that take place: The Evening Parade at 8th and I, which runs from May to August, and the Sunset Parade, which runs from June to mid-August.

It would be safe to say that attending one of these two parades will make a Marine feel like a child at Disneyland — Marine Corps Disneyland.

I was stationed at 8th and I for three years and was involved in the evening and sunset parades. Even though the parade season occurs only during the summer, there are ceremonial events held every day that require the work of many different entities in order for them to be accomplished. But the parades make up only a small portion of what happens on a daily basis. Most of the Marines stationed at 8th and I have primary duties that are not parade-related, that still have to be completed during the parade season.

Among the units at the barracks, there is Marine Corps Institute Company, Headquarters and Support Company, “The Commandant’s Own” U.S. Marine Drum and Bugle Corps, “The President’s Own” U.S. Marine Band, and two ceremonial companies that include the silent drill platoon, body bearers, the Battle Color Detachment and ceremonial marchers. One other important element is the grounds maintenance element, which ensures all landscape and facilities on the barracks are operational and in good condition

Combined, there are about 1,200 Marines at the barracks, providing support throughout the National Capitol Region and the world. Even with these duties, they all come together to perform in the parades.

Eighth and I is deep in history and home to the oldest occupied building in Washington. There is history at every corner of the barracks, and all the Marines involved at the parade have learned about it.

Once visitors get tickets for the Evening Parade on Friday nights, they can expect to meet representatives from MCI and H&S companies and be escorted into the barracks, where pre-selected Marines share history to warm up the crowd.

Once the lights dim, the music begins. The Drum and Bugle Corps and the Marine Band will march on, and so will the parade commander and his staff. The ceremony will continue with information about the barracks and ceremonial marching companies appearing. The Silent Drill Platoon will commence in a marching sequence with no verbal commands, as only the sound of their rifles provide cadence. The parade will conclude with the march off of the parade staff and marching companies, followed by the playing of taps for service members who have died. Typically, there isn’t a dry eye in the stands at the completion.

The Sunset Parade on Tuesday nights has a less formal feel to it and is more of a picnic-style event. Visitors can bring chairs or blankets and sit on the grass and watch the parade.

The Drum and Bugle Corps and the Silent Drill Platoon perform, and the best things are that no tickets are required and visitors can bring food and drinks. I always liked these parades better because there is more interaction with those who attend, but both parades present the same professionalism and precision.

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The writer is the maintenance management chief at The Basic School.

TALK BACK: Parades, pride and Corps image