Since September 1956, ceremonial
marching and musical units from Marine Barracks Washington, D.C., have been paying
tribute to those who’s “uncommon valor was a common virtue” by presenting
Sunset Parades in the shadow of the 32-foot high figures of the United States
Marine Corps War Memorial in Arlington, Va.
Throughout the summers, Marines
with the “Corps Oldest Post” perform during the Tuesday Sunset Parades which are
regularly staffed with officers and staff non-commissioned officers from the Barracks.
However, during the final parade on Aug. 11 that wrapped up the 2015 Tuesday
parade season, NCOs held all the key billets such as platoon commanders for A
and B Companies., Drum Major for the United States Marine Drum and Bugle Corps
and five marching positions in the parade staff to include the parade commander,
adjutant, flanking officer, senior and junior positions.
“The purpose of having an NCO staff is to prove that NCOs are
capable of stepping up and leading from the front, just like their SNCOs and officers,”
said Sgt. Tyler Holley, NCO parade commander and B Co. platoon sergeant. There
is always friendly competition to see who marches better.
This final
parade is unique because sergeants and corporals fill key billets on the parade
deck usually staffed by officers and staff non-commissioned officers.
The
members of the staff are required to be an NCO and to be able to sync as a
staff when marching, said Cpl. Jourdan Webster, staff flanking officer and
Alpha Co. clerk. “This year we have set the bar really high,
and we are striving to reach it. We've
been practicing three days a week since the staff was announced in April.”
NCO
leadership is vital to the success of the Marine Corps worldwide. Marines
appointed under NCOs look for guidance through experience and knowledge that those
who have gone before them have gained.
This leadership is demonstrated the moment the NCO staff marches on the
parade deck.
“An NCO staff gives Marines who are NCOs the opportunity to
show personal initiative and competency of the ceremonial duties of Marine
Barracks Washington, D.C.,” said Cpl. Guy Barnes, NCO Drum Major, D&B Co.
“It’s an opportunity that happens only once a year on one of final sunset
parades.
The NCO staff parade shows that Marines at all rank
levels at MBW strive for excellence in whatever the mission requires. NCOs
fulfill a significant part of their duty by emulating the great qualities of
their leadership.
“The parade was executed flawlessly and it was exactly
what I expected in the beginning when the staff was selected,” said Holley.
NCOs will continue to strive for excellence no matter the
clime and place. They will remain always faithful.