ARLINGTON, Va. -- Royal Navy Commodore Nick Harris, Dean of the Foreign Naval Attaché Corps, in Washington, D.C., observes "8th & I" Marines as they pass in review during the Sunset Parade at the Marine Corps War Memorial here June 11.
Harris is escorted by Brig. Gen. James F. Amos, Assistant Deputy Commandant for Plans, Policies and Operations Department; Brig. Gen. Michael E. Ennis, Director, Intelligence, Headquarters Marine Corps; and Col. Richard T. Tryon, Commanding Officer, Marine Barracks, Washington, D.C.
On Nov. 10, 1954, the 179th birthday of the United States Marine Corps, a bronze monument modeled after the famous photo of the flag raising on Mount Suribachi, Iwo Jima was unveiled at the Arlington National Cemetery. President Dwight D. Eisenhower dedicated the U.S. Marine Corps War Memorial to all Marines who had died to keep their country free.
Since September 1956, marching and musical units from Marine Barracks, Washington, D.C., have been paying tribute to those whose "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.
More information about the post's units, history and ceremonial events can be obtained on the Internet at www.mbw.usmc.mil.