'The Commandant's Own' and USMC West Coast Composite Band for a drum corps Veterans Day 2024

Happy Veterans Day! As I have done since 2014, I'm celebrating today as one of my marching music holidays. Since Drum Corps International (DCI) hasn't yet uploaded its official video, I begin with Virtual Assistant Director's USMC DCI Finals Performance.


DCI normally uploads their videos on November 10th, the Marine Corps Birthday, but that was a Sunday. I expect they'll get around to it today. If so, I might replace this video with theirs. At least it should have a good description!

DCI did upload U.S. Marine Corps Battle Color Detachment on Veterans Day last year after I had composed the 2023 Veterans Day post, so I'm sharing it now.

From Marine Barracks Washington, D.C., the United States Marine Corps Battle Color Detachment features “The Commandant’s Own” United States Marine Drum and Bugle Corps, The United States Marine Corps Silent Drill Platoon, and the Official Color Guard of the Marine Corps. These featured units kicked off the NightBEAT edition of the 2023 Drum Corps International Tour, July 30, 2023, at Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.

The unofficial video I used cut off before the "Star Spangled Banner" and march off the field, so this makes up for it.

"National Emblem" is a good march to play after the national anthem, but people expect "The Marines' Hymn." For that, I turn to Luis of Music213's USMC West Coast Composite Band - The Marines' Hymn - 2024 Pasadena Rose Parade.

The United States Marine Corps West Coast Composite Band performing The Marines' Hymn at the 135th Pasadena Tournament of Roses Parade on Monday, January 1, 2024. This composite group brings three Marine Bands together from around Southern California; Marine Band San Diego, the 1st Marine Division Band and the 3D Marine Aircraft Wing Band. The band members are fully combat-trained and many have been on combat deployments. This fine band has marched in the Rose Parade for over 20 consecutive years.
Before the band, we have the USMC Mounted Colo[r] Guard. It is the only equestrian unit that carries the American flag.

I was disappointed that the Ohio State Band didn't do their trademark precision turn, so I'm glad the Marines performed it.

That's a wrap for today's marching music holiday. Stay tuned for some comedy before I return to holidays, World Kindness Day, World Diabetes Day, and America Recycles Day. I love holidays!