The Evening Parade: Special Bicentennial Edition

Before anyone thinks the bicentennial is upon us once again, the term here refers to the 200th birthday of the Marine Barracks located in Washington, D.C. Established in 1801, this historic post is the home of Marines who perform a variety of duties (most of them ceremonial), including the "Evening Parade," a splendid combination of light and sound that should be on the must-see attractions list of anyone visiting our nation's capital. Although normal military drills had been routinely performed at the barracks, it was not until 1957 that one of the commandants of the corps came up with the idea of a special "evening parade." A few years later, after another commandant saw a ceremony performed in Scotland that used strategically placed lights to bring drama to the pageantry, the American version was underway. Viewers will see stirring marches, close order drills, and choreographed weapons feats of heart-stopping precision. Public libraries will find an appreciative audience for this presentation of America's toughest fighters putting their combat skills to a more artistic purpose. Recommended. Aud: P. (J. Carlson)