U.S. Marine Corps Capt. Ford Higgins, platoon commander, United States Marine Corps Silent Drill Platoon, Marine Barracks Washington, poses for a photo with his family following a performance at Greater Atlanta Christian High School during Marine Week Atlanta in Norcross, Ga., Aug. 28, 2025. The year 2025 marks the 250th anniversary of the United States Marine Corps, a milestone that highlights the legacy, transformation and enduring spirit of the Corps since 1775. Throughout the year, Marines across the globe will commemorate this anniversary by honoring the service and sacrifice of those who served before them and by remaining faithful to the motto Semper Fidelis. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Christopher Prelle) - U.S. Marine Corps Capt. Ford Higgins, platoon commander, United States Marine Corps Silent Drill Platoon, Marine Barracks Washington, poses for a photo with his family following a performance at Greater Atlanta Christian High School during Marine Week Atlanta in Norcross, Ga., Aug. 28, 2025. The year 2025 marks the 250th anniversary of the United States Marine Corps, a milestone that highlights the legacy, transformation and enduring spirit of the Corps since 1775. Throughout the year, Marines across the globe will commemorate this anniversary by honoring the service and sacrifice of those who served before them and by remaining faithful to the motto Semper Fidelis. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Christopher Prelle)
U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Alex Liddell, narrator for "The Commandant's Own" United States Marine Drum & Bugle Corps, prepares to address attendees during the opening ceremony of Modern Day Marine 2025 in Washington, D.C., April 29, 2025. Modern Day Marine is the largest military equipment, systems, services and technology exposition open exclusively to Marines, DoD, association partners, and authorized industry representatives. Marines with Marine Barracks Washington helped by participating in various aspects during the opening ceremony of this event. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Christopher Prelle) - U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Alex Liddell, narrator for "The Commandant's Own" United States Marine Drum & Bugle Corps, prepares to address attendees during the opening ceremony of Modern Day Marine 2025 in Washington, D.C., April 29, 2025. Modern Day Marine is the largest military equipment, systems, services and technology exposition open exclusively to Marines, DoD, association partners, and authorized industry representatives. Marines with Marine Barracks Washington helped by participating in various aspects during the opening ceremony of this event. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Christopher Prelle)
U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Chesty XVI, mascot of Marine Barracks Washington, is awarded the Good Conduct Medal by Secretary of the Navy John Phelan after three years of honorable service at Marine Barracks, Washington, Aug. 12, 2025. The ceremony recognized Chesty XVI’s exemplary behavior and role in representing the Marine Corps during official events and ceremonies. As the official mascot, Chesty plays a key role in bolstering morale and upholding Marine Corps tradition. (U.S. Navy photo by MC2 Jorden Namgyal) - U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Chesty XVI, mascot of Marine Barracks Washington, is awarded the Good Conduct Medal by Secretary of the Navy John Phelan after three years of honorable service at Marine Barracks, Washington, Aug. 12, 2025. The ceremony recognized Chesty XVI’s exemplary behavior and role in representing the Marine Corps during official events and ceremonies. As the official mascot, Chesty plays a key role in bolstering morale and upholding Marine Corps tradition. (U.S. Navy photo by MC2 Jorden Namgyal)
U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Jack M. Clark, noncommissioned officer-in-charge of the Guard Academy, poses for a photo at Marine Barracks Washington, D.C., July 28, 2025. Clark leads and mentors incoming Marines through a rigorous training program designed to prepare them for the demands of ceremonial and security duties within the Guard Company. He strives to instill confidence, discipline, and pride in every Marine who passes through the academy. (U.S. Marine Corps phot by Lance Cpl. Brynn L. Bouchard) - U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Jack M. Clark, noncommissioned officer-in-charge of the Guard Academy, poses for a photo at Marine Barracks Washington, D.C., July 28, 2025. Clark leads and mentors incoming Marines through a rigorous training program designed to prepare them for the demands of ceremonial and security duties within the Guard Company. He strives to instill confidence, discipline, and pride in every Marine who passes through the academy. (U.S. Marine Corps phot by Lance Cpl. Brynn L. Bouchard)
U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Cameron Holmes, the primary rifle inspector with the U.S. Marine Corps Silent Drill Platoon, poses with the ceremonial “silver buttons” after the Friday Evening Parade at Marine Barracks Washington, D.C., June 27, 2025. Once gold, the buttons have been polished repeatedly, turning silver over generations. These buttons are passed down through each rifle inspector, symbolizing discipline and unbroken legacy of the billet. Holmes is one of a select few to wear the silver brass, carrying the weight of tradition and the responsibility to uphold the Corps’ highest standards in every performance. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Pfc. Brianna Davidson) - U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Cameron Holmes, the primary rifle inspector with the U.S. Marine Corps Silent Drill Platoon, poses with the ceremonial “silver buttons” after the Friday Evening Parade at Marine Barracks Washington, D.C., June 27, 2025. Once gold, the buttons have been polished repeatedly, turning silver over generations. These buttons are passed down through each rifle inspector, symbolizing discipline and unbroken legacy of the billet. Holmes is one of a select few to wear the silver brass, carrying the weight of tradition and the responsibility to uphold the Corps’ highest standards in every performance. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Pfc. Brianna Davidson)
Retired U.S. Marine Corps veteran Sgt. William Parks stands with the U.S. Marine Corps Silent Drill Platoon during a Marine Week celebration in Nashville, Tenn., June 4, 2025. Parks, recognized as the oldest Marine in attendance, participated in the ceremony honoring the service and legacy of Marines past and present. Marine Week offers communities the opportunity to connect with Marines through performances, static displays, and community outreach. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Brynn L. Bouchard) - Retired U.S. Marine Corps veteran Sgt. William Parks stands with the U.S. Marine Corps Silent Drill Platoon during a Marine Week celebration in Nashville, Tenn., June 4, 2025. Parks, recognized as the oldest Marine in attendance, participated in the ceremony honoring the service and legacy of Marines past and present. Marine Week offers communities the opportunity to connect with Marines through performances, static displays, and community outreach. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Brynn L. Bouchard)
U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Jermaine J. Bailey, Supernumerary, conducts "ceremonial at ease" during drill practice at Marine Barracks Washington, Washington, D.C. on Mar 6, 2025. The Marines on the parade staff conduct months of deliberate practice to ensure every movement reflects the pride and tradition of the Corps. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Brynn L. Bouchard) - U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Jermaine J. Bailey, Supernumerary, conducts "ceremonial at ease" during drill practice at Marine Barracks Washington, Washington, D.C. on Mar 6, 2025. The Marines on the parade staff conduct months of deliberate practice to ensure every movement reflects the pride and tradition of the Corps. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Brynn L. Bouchard)
U.S. Marines with the Silent Drill Platoon pose for a photo after the culmination of Silent Drill Selection, a six-week long course to determine the newest members of the Silent Drill Platoon on Jan. 10, 2025, Washington, D.C. The six-week long course consists of drill and cadences specific to Marine Barracks Washington, rifle spinning techniques, and much more. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Christopher Prelle) - U.S. Marines with the Silent Drill Platoon pose for a photo after the culmination of Silent Drill Selection, a six-week long course to determine the newest members of the Silent Drill Platoon on Jan. 10, 2025, Washington, D.C. The six-week long course consists of drill and cadences specific to Marine Barracks Washington, rifle spinning techniques, and much more. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Christopher Prelle)