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A wreath stands in front of Brig. Gen. Archibald Henderson's grave stone in The Congressional Cemetery in Washington D.C., Nov. 10, 2014. Marines from Marine Barracks Washington, D.C., conduct wreath laying ceremonies at grave sites of former commandants in the National Capital Region, in honor of the Marine Corps’ birthday. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Melissa Karnath/Released) - A wreath stands in front of Brig. Gen. Archibald Henderson's grave stone in The Congressional Cemetery in Washington D.C., Nov. 10, 2014. Marines from Marine Barracks Washington, D.C., conduct wreath laying ceremonies at grave sites of former commandants in the National Capital Region, in honor of the Marine Corps’ birthday. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Melissa Karnath/Released)

Honoring legacy with solemn ceremonies

The Marines’ shiny black shoes stepped upon the early morning, dew-covered grass as they walk toward the final resting places of their brethren.The sound of a bugle abruptly breaks the silence surrounding these gravestone markers.“We do this to honor them and also to honor our heritage and our legacy,” said Maj. Paul Steketee, the adjutant for

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Pride in Fitness

Marines pride themselves on being able to operate in any clime and place, regardless of the terrain or weather. This takes sacrifice and struggle however, and for many, the work starts in the gym. Marines constantly seek to improve themselves physically, and this month I was able to sit down with two of Alpha Company’s top physical performers to

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Marines from Marine Corps Institute Company, Marine Barracks Washington, D.C. engage targets during live-fire, combat marksmanship training on Range 14, Marine Corps Base Quantico. - Marines from Marine Corps Institute Company, Marine Barracks Washington, D.C. engage targets during live-fire, combat marksmanship training on Range 14, Marine Corps Base Quantico.

MCI Strengthens Company Through Tradition, Training

In keeping with the multifaceted requirements of the Marine Corps, Marine Corps Institute Company, Marine Barracks Washington, D.C. conducted a wide array of professional military education culminating in October with two events - Mess Night and a live-fire range. The tradition of military personnel coming together to celebrate and remember their

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Marines with "The Commandant's Own," The United States Marine Drum & Bugle Corps perfom during the State Fair of Texas, Sept. 27, 2014. This year marked the 51st appearance of "The Commandant's Own," after taking a one-year hiatus in 2013. - Marines with "The Commandant's Own," The United States Marine Drum & Bugle Corps perfom during the State Fair of Texas, Sept. 27, 2014. This year marked the 51st appearance of "The Commandant's Own," after taking a one-year hiatus in 2013.

Drum Corps marks 51st appearance at Texas State Fair

After a year hiatus, the United States Marine Drum & Bugle Corps returned to the State Fair of Texas to continue a tradition of playing for fairgoers at Marine Corps Square.

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Cpl. Jerry Berning, body bearer from Marine Barracks Washington, D.C., carries a casket during a funeral ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery Oct. 24. The ceremony, supported by the Barracks, was held for a group of six Marines who died in a CH-53 helicopter crash in Afghanistan on January 19, 2012. The deceased are Capt. Daniel Bartle, Capt. Nathan McHone, Master Sgt. Travis Riddick, Cpl. Jesse Stites, Cpl. Kevin Reinhard and Cpl. Joseph Logan. - Cpl. Jerry Berning, body bearer from Marine Barracks Washington, D.C., carries a casket during a funeral ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery Oct. 24. The ceremony, supported by the Barracks, was held for a group of six Marines who died in a CH-53 helicopter crash in Afghanistan on January 19, 2012. The deceased are Capt. Daniel Bartle, Capt. Nathan McHone, Master Sgt. Travis Riddick, Cpl. Jesse Stites, Cpl. Kevin Reinhard and Cpl. Joseph Logan.

The Last to Let You Down

For the majority of the Marines stationed at Marine Barracks Washington, D.C. the only prolonged interaction they have with the Body Bearer Section is when they see them in their trademark black and gold physical training uniform in the gym lifting immense amounts of weight. Very few people realize what they do on a daily basis and the incredible

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Col. Benjamin T. Watson, commanding officer of Marine Barracks Washington, D.C., passes a non-commissioned officer’s sword to the Barracks’ incoming sergeant major, Sgt. Maj. Joseph C. Gray during a relief and appointment ceremony at the Barracks Oct. 29, 2014. Gray replaces Sgt. Maj. Angela M. Maness who is assuming duties as the sergeant major for Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, S.C., and Eastern Recruiting Region. - Col. Benjamin T. Watson, commanding officer of Marine Barracks Washington, D.C., passes a non-commissioned officer’s sword to the Barracks’ incoming sergeant major, Sgt. Maj. Joseph C. Gray during a relief and appointment ceremony at the Barracks Oct. 29, 2014. Gray replaces Sgt. Maj. Angela M. Maness who is assuming duties as the sergeant major for Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, S.C., and Eastern Recruiting Region.

Marine Barracks welcomes new sergeant major

Sgt. Maj. Angela M. Maness passed all duties and responsibilities as the senior ranking enlisted Marine of Marine Barracks Washington, D.C., during a relief and appointment ceremony here to Sgt. Maj. Joseph C. Gray, Oct. 29.

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The parade staff stand ready to welcome the new commandant, General Joseph Dunford, before an audience of service members during the commandant passage of command ceremony at Marine Barracks Washington, D.C., Oct. 17. After 44 years of honorable service to the Corps, Gen. James Amos passed the torch to Gen. Joseph Dunford. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Clayton Filipowicz/Released) - The parade staff stand ready to welcome the new commandant, General Joseph Dunford, before an audience of service members during the commandant passage of command ceremony at Marine Barracks Washington, D.C., Oct. 17. After 44 years of honorable service to the Corps, Gen. James Amos passed the torch to Gen. Joseph Dunford. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Clayton Filipowicz/Released)

Behind the scenes of the Passage of Command

Guests entered the gates of Marine Barracks Washington, walking over freshly swept walkways toward their seats overlooking the perfectly manicured grass and Marines stationed strategically in their dress blues.

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Perks of the Job

For the ceremonial marchers of Marine Barracks Washington, D.C.’s Alpha Company, the long hours of drill practice, parades, and funerals can be a trying experience. But there are a few perks to the job. Through their marching experiences, numerous Marines in the company have met people they otherwise never would have.Cpl. Nicholas Adams of Cross

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Cpl. Jamison A. Sharp fields calls as a Student Services Clerk for the Marine Corps Institute. Cpl. Sharp is an 0111 Administrative Specialist from Paw Paw, Mich. - Cpl. Jamison A. Sharp fields calls as a Student Services Clerk for the Marine Corps Institute. Cpl. Sharp is an 0111 Administrative Specialist from Paw Paw, Mich.

2014 Parade Season Ends, MCI's Mission Endures

When taps sounded at the end of the final 2014 Friday Evening Parade at Marine Barracks Washington, D.C., Aug. 29, many spectators may have wondered, “What are the Marines of 8th and I going to do until the next parade season?” Though it may be the off-season for one of the Barrack’s most well-known events, the Marines of the Marine Corps Institute

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Guard Company Trains for Unique Mission

For the Marines of Guard Company, Marine Barracks Washington, D.C. their mission of providing security for the Barracks and its residents is never ending. One of their most high-profile tasks is providing security during the Friday Evening Parades. During parades, guard Marines stand post in the iconic Dress Blue Alpha uniform providing security

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