PARRIS ISLAND, S.C. – More than 1,000 recruits, Marines and civilians gathered at Peatross Parade Deck to witness the grand performance of the U.S. Marine Corps Battle Color Detachment on March 19, 2014, on Parris Island, S.C.
The performance was part of the detachment’s spring tour and began with the U.S. Marine Drum and Bugle Corps, a group of elite Marine musicians commonly known as the “Commandant’s Own.” The band performed a variety of contemporary and traditional selections before making way for the Silent Drill Platoon. The platoon of 24 infantry Marines carried M1 Garand rifles and bayonets as they suavely marched in front of the reviewing stands to impress the audience with an intricate drill routine. Unlike most other marching units, the Silent Drill Platoon executes all movements without the aid of verbal commands.
Finally, the Marine Corps Colors Guard presented the American flag and battle colors of the Marine Corps, and all three groups marched past the ceremony’s reviewing official, Col. Rickey Grabowski, chief of staff for Parris Island and the Eastern Recruiting Region.
The Battle Color Detachment, based at Marine Barracks Washington, D.C., holds hundreds of performances annually, providing musical support and entertainment to thousands across the nation and abroad. The purpose of the detachment is to showcase the Corps’ discipline and commitment to excellence, which they have accomplished for nearly a century.