MARINE BARRACKS, WASHINGTON -- Secretary of Veterans Affairs Anthony J. Principi observes "8th and I" Marines as they pass in review during the Evening Parade here May 11.
Principi is escorted by Lt. Gen. Bruce B. Knutson Jr., Commanding General, Marine Corps Combat Development Command, and Col. Richard T. Tryon, Commanding Officer, Marine Barracks Washington.
A combat veteran, Principi was sworn in Jan. 24 as the nation's fourth secretary of Veterans Affairs. A 1967 Naval Academy graduate, he served as commander of a river patrol unit in the Mekong Delta during the Vietnam War. His wife, Elizabeth Ann, is also a Vietnam veteran.
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.