MARINE BARRACKS, WASHINGTON -- The Commandant of the Marine Corps, Gen. James L. Jones welcomed President George W. Bush to "8th and I" for a special Commander In Chief's Evening Parade here May 18.
The last presidential review here was during President Clinton's first year of office, May 7, 1993.
Throughout U.S. history, the commander in chief and the Marine Corps have shared a special relationship. Two hundred years ago, President Thomas Jefferson and Lieutenant Colonel Commandant William Ward Burrows ventured on horseback to personally select this site (known then as square 927) for a Marine garrison "within easy marching distance of the new Capitol building" to protect the fledgling republic.
Today, Marines continue to serve the president and the first family by standing guard at the White House and Camp David; providing helicopter support with Marine One; protecting U.S. embassies abroad; and standing ready to "perform such duties as the president may direct."
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.