MARINE CORPS LOGISTICS BASE ALBANY, Ga. -- The Marine Corps Battle Color Detachment proved that Marines are ready, rain or shine, when the unit braved the weather to perform on the Schmid Parade Field at MCLB Albany Tuesday.
Marines, civilians, and several JROTC Cadets and area students gathered for the annual event.
Though rain threatened to replace the Drum and Bugle Corps and the Silent Drill Platoon place for the morning festivities, the drizzle did not turn into a downpour until the ceremony's conclusion, allowing the event to commence. Most of those who attended agreed that seeing the Battle Colors Detachment's performance was worth braving the cold, wind and rain.
To many, the performance served as a reminder of the dedication and pride Marines take in what they do.
The Battle Color Detachment, which is assigned to Marine Barracks, Washington, has three elements -- the U.S. Marine Drum and Bugle Corps, the Silent Drill Platoon and the U.S. Marine Corps Color Guard.
The U.S. Marine Drum and Bugle Corps, often referred to as "The Commandant's Own," performs for hundreds of thousands of spectators each year, traveling more than 50,000 miles and participating in more than 400 events around the world.
The Drum and Bugle Corps was formed in 1934, at Marine Barracks, Washington, to augment the U.S. Marine Band. The unit gave musical support to ceremonies in the nation's capitol.
The Silent Drill Platoon, a 24-man rifle platoon, first performed in 1948. The performance was such a success, the platoon was quickly implemented into the routine parades in Washington.
The Marines of the Silent Drill Platoon are known for their precise and polished drill movements, which are performed without verbal commands. They are also known for their fluid manipulation of the hand-polished 10-1/2 pound M-1 Garand rifles with fixed bayonets, which they toss and twirl seemingly effortlessly.
The U.S. Marine Corps Color Guard, carries the only official battle colors of the Marine Corps and the National Colors. Atop the colors are 50 streamers which commemorate the battles and campaigns in which Marines have fought, dating all the way back to the Civil War.