The 8th & I Reunion Association
An organization of Marines
who served at
Marine Barracks
8th & I Streets, S.E.,
Washington DC
Ceremonial Company
The Ceremonial Guard Company has changed its names over the
years, but not its mission. During the past half-century,
it was known as "Barracks Detachment" until the winter of 1957-58,
when it was re-named "Ceremonial Guard Company." In December 1977,
Ceremonial Guard Company was re-named Companies "A" and "B." In
addition to changing names, it has lived in different places. Up
until the late 1950's, it was quartered in the south half of the Barracks
above the arcade walk. In the fall of 1958 it moved to Buiding #58
in the Naval Gun Factory. Later, in
the late spring of 1975, it moved to its present quarters on I street
to the south of the Barracks.
The silent drill team was created in 1948, and during the early 1950's
all three platoons adopted silent drill routines -- and a 4th platoon
was added in 1956, which also adopted a silent drill team. The multiple
drill teams added a great deal of flexibility in scheduling events and
out-of-town appearances.
In addition, because the company was responsible for
keeping a platoon at Camp David for guard duty and security purposes, it
allowed three platoons to be available at the Barracks for parades and
other Ceremonial purposes.
Perfection in the rifle inspection return - March, 2004
Cpl Jason Cruce - rifle inspector. From right to left,
Lcpl Daniel Leininger,
Lcpl Jamar Bailey (# 2 Rifle Inspector), Lcpl Macartheney, Cpl Roberto Cruz,
Lcpl Stanley, Lcpl Parker, Lcpl Peters,
Lcpl Laska, Lcpl John Reese, and Lcpl Josh Sheilds.
The company is responsible for participation in all types of official
ceremonies in the Washington, D.C. area, and on occasion, throughout
the United States or other parts of the World.
Because the Barracks is the oldest post in the Marine Corps, it is
responsible for the maintenance of the Marine Corps Battle Flag,
with ribbons and stars representing every battle the Corps has
fought in from the Revolutionary War to the present.
Ceremonial Guard Company provides security and presents the Colors
at White House functions, as
well as participation in funerals for deceased Marines at Arlington
National Cemetery, which includes a marching escort, body bearers and
firing parties.
It participates in weekly parades during the summer months at the
Iwo Jima Marine War Memorial in Arlington, Virginia, as well as
the full dress Evening Parade at the Barracks. In each event,
its world famous "silent drill platoon" performs an intricate drill
without benefit of oral commands.
This, and related pages, have been compiled by "Old Corps" who served
in the past, and are part of the living tradition of Ceremonial
Guard Company.
"The Old Corps"
Copied from the old "slopshute." The original is reported to
have been painted sometime around 1955.
(Submitted by John Wellman)
____________________________
A ceremonial platoon from the early 1900's
by BT Productions