Since the first Sunset Parade was held here in September 1956, each Tuesday from May through August, the marching and musical units of the "Oldest Post of the Corps" - Marine Barracks, Washington, DC - have performed at the hallowed grounds surrounding the monument to pay homage to all Marines who have died in service to the country.

Originally, the "Iwo Jima" Sunset Parade wasn't really a parade at all. It consisted of a formal guard mount and colors ceremony, concluding with a three-volley salute. Today's Sunset Parade is an elaborate performance featuring the Marine Drum and Bugle Corps with it's "Music in Motion" and the precision rifle handling of the Marine Silent Drill Platoon.

The grassy slopes of the area surrounding the memorial form a natural amphitheater and are always open to the public.

The United States Marine Corps Band

Founded in 1798, the Marine Corps Band has performed at White House functions for every President except George Washington and was especially sponsored by Thomas Jefferson. Because of its traditional privelege at the White House, the band is spoken of as "The President's own." The Band performs over 600 times a year and is an integral part of the Evening Parade held at Marine Barracks, Washington, DC.

The United States Marine Drum & Bugle Corps

Officially formed in 1934 to augment the Marine Band, the Drum & Bugle Corps' history can be traced back to 1775 when a small group of Marine drummers and buglers were called upon to serve in the Revolutionary War. Commonly referred to as "The Commandant's Own", this group performs more than 400 shows a year.

The Silent Drill Platoon

Consisting of twenty-four Marines, the Silent Drill Platoon performs a 10-minute precision drill exhibition. They first performed at Marine Barracks, Washington, DC in 1948 as a single performance, but received such a tremendous ovation that it soon became a regular part of the routine parades.

The United States Marine Corps Color Guard

The United States Marine Corps Color Guard is unique. It includes the National Colors, carried by the Color Sergeant of the Marine Corps, and the official Battle Color of the Marine Corps. The streamers and bands displayed on the Battle Color commemorate every military campaign in which Marines have participated.

The Marching Marines: "A" and "B" Companies

Both "A" and "B" Companies have three platoons of marching Marines. Company "A" has the primary responsibility of serving the Marine Corps with ceremonial elements for full honor parades and ceremonies. Company "B" performs several missions in addition to ceremonial commitments in and around the Washington, D.C. area.


Sequence of Events

The Sunset Parade takes place every Tuesday evening at 7pm through the months of June and August at the Iwo Jima Memorial (Marine Corps War Memorial) in Washington, D.C. Reservations are not required in order to attend.

Below is a sequence of events of the Sunset Parade many of which you will see on the DVD or VHS copy of the Sunset Parade.

• The United States Marine Band
• The United States Marine Drum & Bugles Corps
• The Silent Drill Platoon
• The United States Marine Corps Color Guard
• The Marching Marines: "A" & "B" Companies