MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. -- The U.S. Marine Corps’ Battle Color Detachment dazzled thousands during their annual performance at Camp Pendleton, March. 19.
The ceremony began with performances by 90 Marine musicians with Drum and Bugle Corps dressed in ceremonial red and white uniforms. The unit is commonly referred to as “The Commandant’s Own,” and is currently the only Drum and Bugle Corps in the U.S. Armed Forces.
Following the musical entourage, the 24-man Silent Drill Platoon performed precise drill movements conducted completely without verbal commands. Ten-pound M1 rifles flew from Marine to Marine, displaying unparalleled precision.
The Silent Drill Platoon, Drum and Bugle Corps and official Marine Corps Color Guard, stationed at 8th & I, Marine Barracks Washington, the oldest active post in the Corps, traveled across the country to perform on base.
“Today, we honor the traditions and history of the United States Marine Corps,” said Col. Nicholas F. Marano, commanding officer, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton. “And we remember the thousands of Marines and sailors in and on their way to Afghanistan.”
The 2-hour ceremony also marked the seventh year of Operation Iraqi Freedom and honored service members still in harms way today.
The elaborate event concluded with a salute to the streamer-filled Battle Colors of the Corps. The fifty streamers adorning the Corps’ colors represent every battle Marines have fought in from the American Revolution to Operation Enduring Freedom.