We have lived here for 12 years and have been volunteering at Parris Island for over 10 years. This was our first time attending a graduation. We went with a group from the TOS Men's Club on a drizzly, grey morning. We left the house at 7:15 in order to arrive and get seated for the 9:00 am ceremonies.
Metal bleachers line one side of the parade grounds and the day began with the Marine Corps Band.
Next we were introduced to the base mascot, Corporal ?, a bulldog.
Seven platoons from two companies marched onto the grounds with much pomp and circumstance. Dignitaries were introduced.
Colors were presented.
Marching around the grounds and in front of the viewing stands filled with proud families and friends.
The drum Major
Women Marines
The guideons are the honor graduates from each platoon. They presented their flags and received awards.
The graduates as their families rushed onto the grounds to congratulate them.
Our plans included a group lunch on the base at Traditions Restaurant. They served a nice buffet and we had a private dining room. Afterwards we went on a 40 minute tram tour narrated by a volunteer Marine Veteran. We saw lots of statues and historic buildings. This one is Molly Marine.
The base copy of the famous Iwo Jima flag raising.
The base is beautiful with Live Oak Trees dripping with Spanish Moss.
Recruits getting training on the firing range.
A pet cemetery for the base's mascots.
A statue of a WWI soldier.
Afterwards the group visited the base museum, but we opted out and returned home for a nap.
