From the Halls of Montezuma
The U.S. Marine Corps Battle Color Detachment performed at SDSU's Aztrack.
At the only college campus scheduled in its Installation Tour, the Battle Color Detachment performed for a gathered crowd at 3 p.m., March 7, at San Diego State’s Aztrack.
It was the largest public location for their West Coast tour.
The Battle Color Detachment comprises three performing ceremonial units — the Drum and Bugle Corps, known as the “Commandant’s Own” for its long history with the Commandant of the Marine Corps, the Silent Drill Platoon and the Color Guard, known as "The Official Color Guard of the Marine Corps."
The Only Drum and Bugle Corps in the Military
The Drum and Bugle Corps opened the performance, playing a wide variety of music, including Souza’s “Stars and Stripes Forever,” “Rocky Top,” and a medley from “Grease.”
The program, called “Music in Motion,” blends contemporary songs and traditional marching music combined with meticulously choreographed drill movements.
Silent Drill Platoon
The Silent Drill Platoon performed a precision drill with highly polished 10-pound, 8-ounce M1 Garand rifles with fixed bayonets. True to their name, they entertain crowds with intricate routines performed without verbal commands.
The routine concluded with a Drill Platoon Inspector performing a unique rifle inspection – complete with a flourish of elaborate rifle spins and tosses.
SDSU President Elliot Hirshman joined Navy Capt. William Ault, commanding officer of Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps in San Diego, for pass-in-review — a marching procession in front of the two as a ceremonial inspection.
The Battle Color Detachment will perform next at Carlsbad High School and Marine Corps Air Station – Miramar.
