www.desertdispatch.com/2006/114200333786656.html

Friday, March 10, 2006
Marines show their skills in annual show

FROM STAFF REPORTS

BARSTOW -- The public is invited to a free performance of the 2006 United States Marine Corps Battle Ceremony, to be perfor med at Sorensen Field at the Marine Corps Logistics Base at 7 p.m. tonight. Everyone is welcome including families with kids, according to Corps Public Affairs Officer Maggie Richardson.

Seating is on a first come, first serve basis, she said.

The U. S. Marine Drum and Bugle Corps, the Silent Drill Platoon and the Marine Corps Color Guard are known across the country and abroad for their precision drill and excit- ing musical arrangements, Richardson said.

The Drum and Bugle Corps, dressed in brilliant red and white uniforms open, 60 minutes of pageantry playing contemporary songs and uniquely choreographed drill movements in a program entitled "Music in Motion."

The 24-member Silent Drill Platoon are outfitted in ceremonial blue and white uniforms and perform an intricate a series of drill movements and precise rifle handling with bayoneted 10-pound M-1 rifles, without verbal commands, she said.

Following the drill, Richardson said, the Color Sergeant of the Marine Corps will present the national flag and official colors of the Marine Corps, known as the Battle Color. The Battle Color features many multicolored streamers and represents the battles, campaigns and expeditions Marines have participated in during the past 231 years.

Base Commander Col. Steven J. Thompson and Barstow Mayor Lawrence Dale will review the units passing a reviewing stand playing the Marines' Hymn, to conclude the ceremony.

The ceremonial Marines are stationed at Marine Barracks, Washington, D. C., which is known as the "Oldest Post in the Corps."

If you have a chance to see the USMC silent drill team then do so.  I saw them at GTMO in the 90's and they were pretty awesome.