A Few of FR's Finest....Every Day....06-05-03...."Bush, Mideast Peace, and Iraq WMD"

JohnHuang2, Dutchess and Billie | JohnHuang2

[Dubya]

Silent Drill Platoon

The United States Marines Silent Drill Platoon is precision, timing, and discipline at its best. The team tours the country performing at special events.

Drill Platoon candidates participate in a four-month Silent Drill School in Yuma, Arizona, where they live and breathe drill work. They maintain their rhythm with no verbal commands or cadence. After drill school, candidates must try out before attaining a position with the team.

Their impeccable dress blue uniforms and perfect timing speaks to the pride and commitment of the entire Marine Corps.

At a New York Giants game in the fall of 2001, fans overcome by the show of patriotism shouted "U.S.A., U.S.A." throughout the drill team's entire performance. Amazingly, the Marines pulled the performance off without a hitch, never once allowing themselves to be distracted by the enthusiastic crowd.

Silent Drill Platoon video

Amazingly, the Silent Drill Platoon maintains their rhythm with no verbal commands or cadence.

[deadhead]

I have viewed the Silent Drill Platoon, very impressive

Thank You Dubya!

[Dubya]

'The President's Own' Marine Band

The United States Marine Band has been part of the events that have shaped our national heritage for more than two centuries. Its omnipresent role in events of national importance has made it part of the fabric of American life.

Established by an Act of Congress in 1798, the Marine Band is America's oldest professional musical organization. Its primary mission is unique-to provide music for the President of the United States and the Commandant of the Marine Corps.

President John Adams invited the Marine Band to make its White House debut in the unfinished Executive Mansion on New Year's Day 1801. In March of that year, the band performed for the inaugural of Thomas Jefferson and has performed for every Presidential inaugural since that time. An accomplished musician himself, Jefferson recognized the unique relationship between the band and the Chief Executive by giving the Marine Band the title, "The President's Own."

FULL STORY
Marine Band the title, "The President's Own."

Whether performing for South Lawn arrival ceremonies, State Dinners, or receptions, Marine Band musicians appear at the White House about 300 times each year. Additionally, the band participates in more than 500 public and official performances annually, including concerts and ceremonies throughout the Washington, DC, metropolitan area. Each fall, the band travels through a region of the United States during its concert tour, a tradition started by John Philip Sousa, the band's legendary 17th director.

It was President Thomas Jefferson who proudly proclaimed the U.S. Marine Band 'The President's Own.'

Listen to 'The President's Own' Marine Band playing The Stars and Stripes Forever in Luzern, Switzerland.MP3 works good.

[deadhead]

Came across this photo, and thought of you :-) Hope I was correct in identifying you both in the photo

Colleen

[Dubya]

Your welcome. They are great.

[Temple Owl]

Ink's waiting. She wants to meet Codee and Fred too.

[LadyX]

"and is perhaps the most recognized insignia in the world."

Just returning and catching up.
Saw this post and sat up straight, instantly focused...:))

LOL - it never leaves you - - -

[Dubya]

ONCE A MARINE ALWAYS A MARINE.

The Barracks of "8th and I" is the oldest post of the Marine Corps. It is historically significant and steeped in military tradition. President Thomas Jefferson helped choose the current location in 1801. He wanted Marines to be "within easy marching distance of the capital."

Located on the corners of 8th and I streets south east in Washington D.C., "8th and I" is home to the Commandant of the Marine Corps, the Silent Drill Platoon, The Color Guard, the "Commandant's Own" United States Marine Drum and Bugle Corps, and many other outstanding Marine officers and enlisted men and women.

'8th and I'; Sunset and Evening Parades take place nightly Monday through Friday during the summer months.

*If visiting the Washington D.C. area during the summer months, make plans to attend the Sunset and Evening Parades that take place nightly, Monday through Friday.

[Dubya]

MARINE OR SOLDIER?

Turn up your sound.

[LadyX]

"Amazingly, the Silent Drill Platoon maintains their rhythm with no verbal commands or cadence."

After having been the Right Guide in my training at Parris Island and then became a Classroom Subjects Instructor, I was asked to be that in all inspections and ceremonies (as you know, the one dedicating the Iwo Jima Monument) in which the Women Marines participated.

The male Drill Instructor who'd trained me, Sgt. Richard Duncan, formed a Women's Silent Drill Team with eight of us, with me as the Leader.
There are indeed no verbal commands or cadence call from beginning to end, and he took us to the USO's in Savannah and Charleston to perform.
It was something I truly enjoyed.

He loved to relate the fact I established a legend for him, to brag about to the men who thought we were a joke.
In my Basic Training, there were 73 women in my Platoon, and there in June, July and August, because of the heat our drill practice was done after breakfast on the street, or at 1900 on the tennis court.

One evening, Richard was concentrating on the feather merchants (short ones) at the rear of the platoon, out of step, and failed to remember there are two short ends on the court.

Leading as Right Guide, he'd turned me onto one, but was silent when ahead loomed first the end of the concrete, bit of grass - and then the wire court fence.

All of a sudden, he snapped around to shout a "Right Turn, March!" for me - but it was too late.
He loved to pause for effect, and then continue with, "and when I looked, she was going UP THE FENCE, with the next gal planting a foot to follow!"

You, of course, go over the proverbial cliff unless your order is amended..:))

[LadyX]

Oh, Colleen, that is beautiful!!
You are so dear to post that for us "Sistahs"..:))
Can't wait for Nan to arrive and see it!

{{{{{ Hugs for Colleen }}}}}

[Dubya]

Great job Marine.

[LadyX]

LOL - just saw the names, and you are correct.
She is a whole 5 months older..:))

(I was too stubborn to be born at the same time, and have to share a birthday..:))

[WVNan]

Oh wow Colleen! You got it just right! That's us for sure, isn't it Sistah? You see I always laced your shoes for you.

[deadhead]

Hi there, I am so happy that you like the graphic. Thought it was perfect for you and Nan :-) Yep, thought Nan was 5 months older LOL

[deadhead]

"You see I always laced your shoes for you."

You're a good sistah Nan :-)

[WVNan]

Thank you for the gif. It's now on my profile page. Maggie is really the bestest sistah.

[WVNan]

I'm here O fence walker.

[LadyX]

Nan is the bestest Sistah in the whole wide world!!
Saved the gif, Colleen - it was so sweet of you to do that.

[deadhead]

I am so happy that you both liked it and saved it, you have made my day :-) Have a good night

Colleen