thedrifter
09-02-09, 06:59 AM
This is only a drill … Marines to bring back parade
By Jaedda Armstrong
NORFOLK
About 140 Marines marched to the beat of a patriotic tune blaring from a radio at Norfolk Naval Station on Tuesday. As they stomped into the Marine Corps Security Force Regiment parade field with their rifles upright, an officer watching from the sidelines had two words to describe their rhythm: "Too slow!"
Luckily, it was just a rehearsal.
Veterans, families and friends will gather at the field Thursday evening for the real deal - Norfolk Naval Station's first Evening Parade since 2004.
A similar event has taken place in Washington every Friday night in the summer since 1957.
The parade, about 60 minutes of music and precision marching at the Marine barracks, has become a symbol of the professionalism and discipline of the Marines.
"It's a great opportunity for the community to see our men and women at their very best," said John Panneton, a retired Marine lieutenant colonel and active member of the Navy League who has attended many of the parades in Norfolk.
It was a festive event that families and friends enjoyed watching, he added.
The evening parades started in Norfolk in the late 1950s. They ended because so many Marines were being sent to Iraq.
Because many Marines have returned, Col. Barton S. Sloat, the regimental commander, decided to renew the tradition.
"Looking back at what we've been through the last six or seven years - deployments and a platoon in Baghdad - we think it's time to give something back to the community again," he said.
The plan is to hold two parades a year - one around Memorial Day and the other around Labor Day.
Thursday's event will include a performance by the U.S. Marine Corps Band and a retirement honor for a lieutenant.
"It's pretty exciting," said Gunnery Sgt. Frank Morris as he took a break from practice.
He's been to the event in Washington once and said he's honored to be a part of Norfolk's.
"We might be a little off today, but on Thursday, we'll be more than ready."
Jaedda Armstrong, (757) 222-5846, jaedda.armstrong@pilotonline.com
Ellie
By Jaedda Armstrong
NORFOLK
About 140 Marines marched to the beat of a patriotic tune blaring from a radio at Norfolk Naval Station on Tuesday. As they stomped into the Marine Corps Security Force Regiment parade field with their rifles upright, an officer watching from the sidelines had two words to describe their rhythm: "Too slow!"
Luckily, it was just a rehearsal.
Veterans, families and friends will gather at the field Thursday evening for the real deal - Norfolk Naval Station's first Evening Parade since 2004.
A similar event has taken place in Washington every Friday night in the summer since 1957.
The parade, about 60 minutes of music and precision marching at the Marine barracks, has become a symbol of the professionalism and discipline of the Marines.
"It's a great opportunity for the community to see our men and women at their very best," said John Panneton, a retired Marine lieutenant colonel and active member of the Navy League who has attended many of the parades in Norfolk.
It was a festive event that families and friends enjoyed watching, he added.
The evening parades started in Norfolk in the late 1950s. They ended because so many Marines were being sent to Iraq.
Because many Marines have returned, Col. Barton S. Sloat, the regimental commander, decided to renew the tradition.
"Looking back at what we've been through the last six or seven years - deployments and a platoon in Baghdad - we think it's time to give something back to the community again," he said.
The plan is to hold two parades a year - one around Memorial Day and the other around Labor Day.
Thursday's event will include a performance by the U.S. Marine Corps Band and a retirement honor for a lieutenant.
"It's pretty exciting," said Gunnery Sgt. Frank Morris as he took a break from practice.
He's been to the event in Washington once and said he's honored to be a part of Norfolk's.
"We might be a little off today, but on Thursday, we'll be more than ready."
Jaedda Armstrong, (757) 222-5846, jaedda.armstrong@pilotonline.com
Ellie