Marine Corps Installations-West, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton hosted its Evening Colors Ceremony at the Pacific Views Event Center, Sept. 29.The annual ceremony celebrated Camp Pendleton’s 75th anniversary and represented the culmination of a year-long celebration of the base’s history.
“This is the event where we can get together as a community that reflects us as a great nation,” stated Brig. Gen. Kevin J. Killea, Commanding General, in his message to attendees. “as the flag is slowly lowered, folded and retired.”
Distinguished military guests and local community leaders were in attendance and were treated to a historical display prior to the lowering of the nation’s colors as well as a reception following the ceremony.
The flag lowering featured the Headquarters and Support Battalion Color Guard as the flag detail and music by the 1st Marine Division Band.
“The Evening Colors is very symbolic as it represents all the Marine that have gone before us.,” said SSgt Talee R. Garcia, a trumpet instrumentalist with 1st Marine Division Band. “ I feel honored because I get to play for all the Marines and this is number one as far as it goes .”
Camp Pendleton was established Sept. 25, 1942 and is named after Maj. Gen. Joseph Henry Pendleton.
Today the base spans more than 125,000 acres and is the site of year-round training for Marines and other branches of military. Camp Pendleton is home to two major commands, Marine Corps Installations West and I Marine Expeditionary Force, which commands 1st Marine Division and 1st Marine Logistics Group. Additionally, it is home to Marine Corps Air Station Camp Pendleton which houses 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing assets.
The American flag was retired to the call of “Retreat” and the ceremony concluded with the playing of “Anchors Aweigh” and “Marines’ Hymn” by the 1st Marine Division Band.