We are thrilled to announce that Friend of the Harvard Club, Marine Lance Corporal David Ulicki has invited us to attend the Friday Evening Parade at the Marine Barracks on June 9th.
The Washington, DC Barracks was established in 1801, and has performed military reviews and ceremonies since its founding. The present-day Evening Parade was first conducted on July 5, 1957. Since its inception, the Evening Parade has become a unique patriotic tradition of “the Oldest Post of the Corps” . The parade’s heritage is entwined with former military rituals such as tattoo, retreat, and lowering of the colors ceremonies. The Evening Parade is offered solely to express the dignity and pride that represents more than two centuries of heritage for all Americans. Guests will see the finest in military excellence including performances by “The President’s Own” United States Marine Band, “The Commandant’s Own” United States Marine Drum and Bugle Corps, and the esteemed United States Marine Corps Silent Drill Platoon. Following the ceremony, our guests will have the opportunity to meet Marines who performed throughout the parade as well as take photographs with the Marine Barracks mascot, Chesty XVI.
Arrival: The Barracks gates open at 7pm, and large groups are requested to arrive early in order to be seated together, so please meet at the gates on the corner of 8th & I Streets, SE, right at 7pm. The gates will close at 8pm, and you will no longer be able to enter if you are late.
While entering the installation, guests are subject to random searches and will be required to have all bags or additional items searched. Clear bags are recommended to expedite your entry into the parade.
Please note that weapons are not permitted at Marine Barracks Washington, except for officially credentialed federal law enforcement agents, to include D.C. Metropolitan Police. Any form of weapon, to include, but not limited to, knives, pocket tools, firearms, stun guns, batons and mace, will be confiscated prior to any Evening Parade. Nonfederal law enforcement officials may turn side arms over to the Barracks guards prior to the parade. Any other visitors carrying firearms will not be permitted to enter. Any confiscated items will be held by Barracks guards and returned at the conclusion of the parade.
No food or beverages are permitted with the exception of water and baby food/bottles. Drugs and drug paraphernalia, weapons of any kind, and contraband are not allowed on the premises of “8th and I.”
Due to the routinely hot and humid weather during the summer in the National Capital Region, guests are encouraged to bring their own water to stay hydrated throughout the parade. Additionally, several refilling stations with cups and ice water will be set-up for guests’ convenience.
Due to weather, parades can be cancelled. Because Marine Barracks Washington D.C. is dedicated to showcasing ceremonial excellence, typically a Sunset or Evening Parade will not be canceled until right before show time. Executive Director Julia will be monitoring the Corps social media for cancellation, but please check your email regularly in the case of questionable weather, so that you don’t miss a message letting you know the status.
Getting there: Marine Barracks Washington, D.C., is within easy walking distance (four blocks south) of the Metro’s Eastern Market exit (blue/orange/silver lines) at Pennsylvania and 8th Street, SE. Public metered parking is located throughout the local area. For a flat rate of $10, guests attending the parade may park at Maritime Plaza. Shuttle service will run from Maritime Plaza to Marine Barracks Washington from 6:45 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Shuttle service returning to Maritime Plaza will run from 9:45 p.m. to 11 p.m.
