Quantico, Va. -- Marines from Marine Medium Tiltrotor Training Squadron (VMMT) 204 flew to Washington D.C. aboard three Ospreys to see the 8th and I Evening Parade and to visit the National Museum of the Marine Corps, Aug. 23-24.
Along with the parade, the Silent Drill Platoon performed a more than 10-minute-long display of their skill and discipline.
“We all had a great time at the Marine Corps Parade,” said Sgt. Damian C. Flower, VMMT-204 avionics technician. “The parade was a great display of Marine Corps discipline and the Silent Drill Platoon performance was outstanding.”
In addition to the Silent Drill Platoon, the Marine Corps Band also performed a number of different musical pieces, including the “Marines’ Hymn” and a musical piece from the movie “Grease.”
In attendance at the parade was General John F. Amos, commandant of the Marine Corps, Bonnie Amos, the commandant’s wife, and Kim Beazley, Australian ambassador to the United States.
After the parade concluded, the VMMT-204 Marines departed for the barracks at The Basic School, where they stayed during the trip.
The next morning, the Marines boarded two buses and departed for the National Museum of the Marine Corps, where they spent the first half of their day.
“I loved how rich the museum was in Marine Corps history,” said Pfc. Ian C. Lowewilkins, VMMT-204 administrative clerk. “My favorite display they had was on how African Americans got their start in the Corps and how far they have come since their induction.”
Upon departing the National Museum of the Marine Corps, the Marines headed back to the barracks to pack up their belongings and prepare for departure.
“This was a great chance to reward some of our Marines for all of the long hours and hard work they put in on a daily basis,” said Lt. Col. Brett A. Hart, VMMT-204 commanding officer. “The trip went really well, and the displays that were offered in our nation’s capital were truly motivating.”