August 3, 2021: Field Trips: Sunset Parade at the Marine Corps War Memorial

Marines with the Silent Drill Platoon march for “Pass in Review” during a Tuesday Sunset Parade at the Marine Corps War Memorial, Arlington, Va., June 8, 2021. The hosting official for the evening was Mr. Robert D. Hogue, counsel for the Commandant of the Marine Corps, and The Honorable Kirsten E. Gillibrand, U.S. Senator for New York, was the guest of honor. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Jason Kolela)

Your field trip coordinators are excited to bring you this summer-time field trip.  The Sunset Parade occurs every Tuesday evening from late May to early August at the Marine Corps War Memorial.  This free event provides an opportunity to listen to “The Commandant’s Own” US Marine Drum and Bugle Corps and witness the precision drills performed by the Marine Corps Silent Drill Platoon.

When the show is over, there are even more opportunities to capture iconic shots of the Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument, and US Capitol Dome from the base of the Netherlands Carillon.  I also feel the Marine Corps War Memorial is a very photogenic subject too.

What:

The Army has their Golden Knights.  The Navy has their Blue Angles.  The Air Force has their Thunderbirds.  Only the Marine Corps has a land based performance such as this.  Let the Marine Corps Drum and Bugle Corps and Silent Drill Platoon impress you with a demonstration of their skills and training.  Did I mention it’s FREE?

The performance starts at 6:45pm and runs for one hour.  After the performance, I highly recommend the short 5 minute walk South to the base of the Netherlands Carillon to get some iconic shots of the Washington monuments lined up.  Then when you’re done with that, why not go back to the Marine Corps War Memorial and take some shots around there.  I find that monument very photogenic, especially after sunset.

Masks are not required to attend provided you’ve been fully vaccinated.  It’s difficult to judge how many people will attend these performances, but I the memorial sits on a large plot of land so outdoor physical distancing should be possible.

More information is found on the USMC website: https://www.barracks.marines.mil/Parades/Sunset-Parade/

and here: https://dcphotoguide.com/marine-corps-sunset-parade-iwo-jima-memorial/

Sunset is expected at 8:17 p.m. (EDT)

Master GySgt. Keith Martinez, drum major, “The Commandant’s Own,” U.S. Marine Drum and Bugle Corps, conducts the Marines during a Tuesday Sunset Parade at the Marine Corps War Memorial, Arlington, VA, June 15, 2021. The hosting official for the evening was Brig. Gen. Lorna Mahlock, Director, Information, Command, Control, Communications and Computers, and Ms. Gwynne Shotwell, President and Chief Operations Officer of SpaceX, was the guest of honor. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Jason Kolela)

Equipment:

  • 24-70 will give you a nice wide shot with the memorial, but I suspect you’ll get more use out of a 70-200 for full size individuals and small group shots.
  • Consider bringing longer lenses of 300-500mm to get in tight. Marines like to keep the audience at a safe distance and you might want that extra reach.
  • I did not see guidance on USMC website regarding flashes, but I would ask that you leave the flash at home. Hopefully, there will be plenty of glorious warm sunset light that comes naturally without distraction.
  • Tripods are permissible provided they do not impede on the enjoyment of others.
  • Bring a mask (to keep on hand). Bug spray for those pesky evening gnats.  And a water bottle because it will be warm and humid.
  • Seating is not available, just plenty of grass. Lawn chairs and folding stools are permissible.

When:

Tuesday, August 3, 2021 from 6pm – 9pm
Rain date on Tuesday, August 10, 2021 from 6pm – 9pm

Where:

Let’s meet in the NW edge of the USMC War Memorial grounds next to the visitor parking lot (38.8910, -77.0706).

There may be porta potties nearby, but no other facilities will be available at the memorial.

Parking at the memorial is not available on Tuesday nights.  You may get lucky from the limited street parking in the neighborhoods North or West of the memorial.  However there are plenty of paid parking options between the memorial and the Roslyn metro station that will get you within a couple blocks.

You may also consider using the Roslyn metro station and walking about three blocks (10-15 minutes).  The Arlington Cemetery metro station also stops nearby a bike path that will wind your way to the memorial (sounds tricky).

We hope you can join us!

Rena Schild and Steven Glintz
Field Trip Coordinators 2021-2022

*Color photographs courtesy Sgt. Jason Kolela

 

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