Marine Barracks, Washington, D.C.
Established in 1801, Marine Barracks Washington, is the "Oldest Post of the Corps" and has been the residence of every commandant of the Marine Corps since 1806. The selection of the site for the Barracks was a matter of personal interest to President Thomas Jefferson, who rode through Washington with Lt. Col. William Ward Burrows, the second commandant of the Marine Corps, in search of a suitable location. The site now occupied was approved due to its proximity to the Washington Navy Yard and because it was within easy marching distance of the Capitol.
8th and I
"The Oldest Post of the Corps"

Sen. John McCain reviews Evening Parade

13 Jul 2001 | Marine Barracks

Senator John McCain observes "8th and I" Marines as they pass in review during the Evening Parade here July 13.


McCain is escorted by the Commandant of the Marine Corps, Gen. James L. Jones, and Col. Richard T. Tryon, Commanding Officer, Marine Barracks Washington.


The son and grandson of Navy admirals, McCain was born in the Panama Canal Zone in 1936.  After graduating from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1958, he began a 22-year career as a naval aviator.  In 1967, he was shot down over Vietnam and held as a prisoner of war in Hanoi for more than five years.  He retired from the Navy as a captain in 1981, but soon transitioned into the political arena and was elected to represent Arizona in the U.S. House of Representatives in 1982.  He served two terms in the House before being elected to the Senate in 1985.  He was re-elected to a third Senate term in November 1998. 


The modern-day Evening Parade has been a tradition since July 5, 1957, drawing thousands of visitors each year. Here, the past, present and future of the Marine Corps meet to produce a dramatic celebration of the esprit de corps uniquely inherent to the United States Marine Corps. This year marks the bicentennial of the barracks, which is known as the "oldest post of the Corps."


More information about the post's units, history and bicentennial events can be obtained on the Internet at www.mbw.usmc.mil.