Evening Parade at the Marine Barracks- Washington D.C.

Nick's sister-in-law is in town with her band, performing at various location in the D.C. area this weekend. She was able to get our family some tickets to the Marine Barracks Evening Parade that goes on every Friday night during the summer. I WAS SO EXCITED!!!!!

When we lived in Pensacola 7 years ago, we got to see them perform there. This event, however, is a much different scene. It's held at the oldest active post of the marine corps. This site was personally selected by President Thomas Jefferson and completed by 1801.

We got to the barracks ar 7:15PM when the gates open. They file you in on bleachers as you arrive. It was hot and the sun was blazing. The show didn't start until 8:45, so Nick took the kids to a shady area and struck up a conversation with one of the Marine's seating people. Before we knew it, Nick was calling us down from our bleachers for some 'better seats'. I was escorted by a sharp looking Marine in uniform, outside the barracks, and across the street to the Staff Non-Commissioned Officer's Club for the nightly briefing. The brief was given by Gunnery Sergeant Dickson, Marine of the Year. Very neat to hear!

We were then escorted back to the barracks and seated front and center on cushioned bleachers! Isn't it nice having 'connections'.

"The President's Own" United States Marine Band

Joined by "The Commandant's Own" The United States Marine Drum & Bugle Corps.

We got to see Lance Corporal Chesty XIII, the official mascot of Marine Barracks Washington. A pedigree English bulldog, he was enlisted in 2008 , is the youngest marine, and is named in honor of the most decorated Marine in history, Lieutenant General Lewis B. "Chest" Puller.

My favorite part, The United States Marine Corps Silent Drill Platoon

Don't they look sharp!!!!
Every time they slap their rifles...
it just gives me goosebumps!!!

Addison and Trevor sat in the isle right at the edge of the grass and bounced and even marched along with the band as the passed back and forth in front of us!!!!

It was late when the parade was over, but the kids stayed awake and enjoyed it! Here, Danica (Nick's niece), Trevor and McKenzie pose on the street while we waited for Valet to bring us our car.
Danica will be spending the weekend with us while her mom plays this weekend!

*Videos will be posted soon*