 Ladies and gentlemen, please join in welcoming our host for this evening, the Commandant of the Marine Corps, General David H. Berger, accompanied by his wife, Donna. And now, please join in welcoming our guest of honor for this evening, the Secretary of the Navy, the Honorable Kenneth J. Braithwaite, accompanied by his wife, Melissa. Good evening, ladies and gentlemen, and welcome to the oldest post of the Corps, the Marine Barracks, Washington, D.C., celebrating over six decades of performing evening parades here in our nation's capital. The ceremony you were about to witness was first conducted at the barracks on July 5, 1957. While the parade is standard for Marine units throughout the world, some elements have been modified to showcase the unique abilities of our marching and musical units. The mass formation of troops on one long line at close interval made possible the massing of firepower from muzzle-loaded muskets of the past. The adjutant forms the line of battle, and in those early days, that line consists of two or three ranks, much like the parade formation you will see this evening. Tonight, we celebrate the pride, professionalism, and esprit de corps that are hallmarks of this barracks and the Marines who have distinguished these hallowed grounds for over two centuries. They represent all Marines around the globe who embody our Corps' values of honor, courage, and commitment. We begin our ceremony with a performance by the President's own United States Marine Band. The band traces its roots back to July 11, 1798, when an act of Congress authorized the Marine Corps to employ a drum major, a fife major, and 32 fifers and drummers. Today, the Marine Band has over 150 members who proudly carry out its mission of providing music for the President of the United States and the command out of the Marine Corps. The most famous director of the Marine Band was legendary band leader and the March King, John Philip Souza, who led the band from 1880 to 1892. Of all his marches, one so embodied our American spirit that in 1987 an act of Congress proclaimed it the National March of the United States. Ladies and gentlemen, celebrating over 222 years of serving as the guardian of American musical tradition, the Marine Band will now perform Souza's most famous march, The Stars in Stripes Forever. Marine Merits Washington DC was established on March 31, 1801. This site was chosen for the new Marine Garrison by President Thomas Jefferson as he rode on horseback through the new capital city along with our second commandant, Lieutenant Colonel William Ward Burroughs. It is the oldest active post of the United States Marine Corps. Just beyond the north end of the parade deck stands the historic home of the commandants. It has been the residence of every Marine commandant since its completion in 1806. The present occupants are the 38th commandant and his lady, General and Mrs. David H. Berger. During our nation's bicentennial in 1976, the barracks and the commandant's house together were designated a national historic landmark. The flag flying over the barracks this evening is a replica of the National Ensign displaying 15 stars and 15 stripes that would have flown here in 1801. Ladies and gentlemen, we are proud to introduce the official mascot of Marine Barracks Washington DC, Lance Corporal Chesty the 15th. A pedigree English Bulldog, Lance Corporal Chesty the 15th enlisted in the Marine Corps on 19 March 2018 and completed recruit training on 5 July 2018. The first barracks mascot was named in honor of the most decorated Marine in history, Lieutenant General Louis B. Chesty Puller, a name that has been inherited by every mascot of the oldest post. Ladies and gentlemen, please rise for the presentation of the colors. It's unique. Flanked by two Marine riflemen, our national flag is carried by the color sergeant of the Marine Corps while the Marine to his left carries the official battle color of the Marine Corps. The 54 streamers and silver bands displayed with the battle color commemorate the military campaigns in which Marines have participated. They span the entire history of our nation from a revolutionary war to the combat operations in Afghanistan and Iraq. Decorated with palms, oak leaf clusters and stars, they represent more than 400 awards in campaigns of the United States Marines. It is the privilege of Marine Barracks Washington DC to be entrusted with the custody of this battle color. Ladies and gentlemen, please be seated. The Marines in the spotlight represent over seven decades of marching and rifle drill precision, a legacy of honor, commitment and discipline that began during the sunset pervades of 1948. The M1 rifles they carry with fixed bayonets are standard for all our marching platoons and weigh in excess of 10 and one half pounds. The platoon executes its drill sequence without verbal cadence or commands. Ladies and gentlemen, Marine Barracks Washington DC proudly presents the United States Marine Corps Silent Drill Platoon. The United States Marine Drum and Bugle Corps will open its concert this evening with a powerful and exciting work originally composed for brass band by Paul Lovett Cooper entitled Fire in the Blood. The concert will continue with a musical tribute to this great nation, America the Beautiful. Ladies and gentlemen, Marine Barracks Washington DC is proud to present the Commandant Zone, the United States Marine Drum and Bugle Corps. Formed in 1934, the Commandant Zone has the distinction of being the only active duty drum and bugle corps currently serving in the United States Armed Forces. This evening's concert will close with music from the finale of Beethoven's Ninth Symphony and its inspiring theme of hope, unity and freedom. Ode to Joy. Tonight's performance will feature the saluting battery of the barracks, which will be fired by the body bearer section of the oldest post. Ladies and gentlemen, celebrating over 85 years of marching and musical excellence, here is once again the Commandant Zone. Ladies and gentlemen, it is a privilege for Marine Barracks Washington DC to have as our guest of honor this evening the Secretary of the Navy, the Honorable Kenneth J. Braithwaite. Joining our distinguished guests in the reviewing area are the Commandant of the Marine Corps, General David H. Berger and the commanding officer of Marine Barracks Washington DC, Colonel Teague A. Pastel. Ladies and gentlemen, please rise for honors. Ladies and gentlemen, please be seated. As we prepare for pass in review, please direct your attention to the two marching companies assembled before you. These companies are comprised of infantry Marines who were hand selected to serve at Marine Barracks Washington. In addition to parade support, these companies conduct joint service honors ceremonies at the Pentagon, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the White House. These Marines also have the solemn duty and distinct honor of performing dignified transfer ceremonies for fellow Marines who have made the ultimate sacrifice while serving our country, as well as laying our Marines and their families to rest in Arlington National Cemetery. When not performing ceremonial functions, the Marines of companies A and B hone their infantry skills in preparation for future service in combat units of the Marine Corps Operating Forces. Ladies and gentlemen, please join us as we observe evening colors and remain standing as we pause to honor those gallant men and women who have given their lives in the service of our country.