Sunset Parade

In 1911, Marine Corps recruit training moved out of Marine Barracks Washington ("8th and I"), and the remnant garrison posted there turned its attention to ceremonial duties. Major Lemuel Shepherd organized a weekly afternoon parade during the summer months in 1934 based on the drill of the Landing Party Manual. pictured during the 2012 Sunset Parade. is received as guest of honor by Major General Vincent R. Stewart at the 2013 Sunset Parade. A joint evening drill with the British Royal Marines in 1956 at the Bermuda Searchlight Tattoo convinced Marine officers that they would achieve a more dramatic effect by moving the afternoon parade to the evening hours and performing it under spotlights. The afternoon parade is now called the Sunset Parade; it was temporarily moved in 2018 to the Lincoln Memorial ==Organization==

Order of ceremony As of 2018 the Sunset Parade, which lasts approximately one hour, takes place at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday evenings in June, July, and August. The parade begins with a demonstration performance by "The Commandant's Own" Drum and Bugle Corps. This is followed by a march on of the participating units, the advance of the national and Marine Corps colors to "You're a Grand Old Flag", the performance of "Star Spangled Banner", a demonstration drill by the U.S. Marine Silent Drill Platoon, and a pass in review for a guest of honor set to "Semper Fidelis" and the "Marines' Hymn". It concludes with "Taps", the retirement of the colors to the trio section of the "National Emblem March", and a march off. Units and personnel The parade involves approximately 200 personnel. Participating units include "The Commandant's Own", the Silent Drill Platoon, the U.S. Marine Corps Color Guard, Alpha Company of the 8th and I garrison, and Bravo Company of the 8th and I garrison. Reception When the Sunset Parade is held at the Marine Corps Memorial, a pre-parade reception is conducted for the guest of honor at the Women in Military Service for America Memorial at Arlington National Cemetery. ==See also==