The Battle Color Detachment consists of 130 Marines from Marine Barracks, Washington, D.C. It is comprised of the United States Marine Drum and Bugle Corps, The Silent Drill Platoon and The Color Guard of the Marine Corps. They performed for audiences at the parade deck by the Paige Fieldhouse and in front of students and personnel at the School of Infantry-West.

“Even if you’ve seen it before, it’s always a good show,” said Rich Stebbins, event coordinator with the Assistant Chief of Staff, G-3/5. “Over 1,100 people are expected to show up for this show alone. A lot of people come here because this is a part of our history and culture as Marines.”

The United States Marine Drum & Bugle Corps, also known as The Commandant's Own, is led by Master Gunnery Sgt. Kevin Buckles and was responsible for kicking off the event. Their performance combined contemporary songs and traditional marching music with uniquely choreographed drill movements in a program entitled "Music in Motion."

The Silent Drill Platoon, a 24-man rifle unit that performs military drills using M1 Garand service rifles with fixed bayonets, then wowed the crowd with their precision and coordination despite performing without verbal commands. The unit is led by platoon commander Capt. Michael Bell and platoon Staff Sgt. Berton Chambers.

The event culminated with the Color Guard displaying the National Ensign and the official Battle Color of the United States Marines, which bears fifty-four streamers representing the history and accomplishments of the Marine Corps. It is commanded by color sergeant, Sgt. Allen Banks Jr.

“My father was stationed here and I grew up coming to this every year,” said Patricia Moreno, bringing her children to the event for the first time. “It feels great to pass it on. They’re excited.”

Every spring the unit tours military installations throughout the United States and performs at international events such as the Belleau Wood WWI Memorial in France and the 65th Memorial of WWII on the Island of Iwo Jima. Camp Pendleton is an annual stop for the detachment.

The Battle Color Detachment will be featured in the Friday Evening Parades at Marine Barracks and at the Tuesday Sunset Parades at the Marine Corps War Memorial in Arlington, Virginia following this tour. The parade season runs from May to August each year in the National Capitol Region and is open to the general public.

“My father was stationed here and I grew up coming to this every year,” said Patricia Moreno, bringing her children to the event for the first time. “It feels great to pass it on. They’re excited.”

Every spring the unit tours military installations throughout the United States and performs at international events such as the Belleau Wood WWI Memorial in France and the 65th Memorial of WWII on the Island of Iwo Jima. Camp Pendleton is an annual stop for the detachment.

The Battle Color Detachment will be featured in the Friday Evening Parades at Marine Barracks and at the Tuesday Sunset Parades at the Marine Corps War Memorial in Arlington, Virginia following this tour. The parade season runs from May to August each year in the National Capitol Region and is open to the general public.