A marching music Veteran's Day with the Commandant's Own and USMC West Coast Composite Band

Happy Veterans Day! As I have done since 2014, I'm celebrating today as one of my marching music holidays. I begin with “The Commandant’s Own” US Marine Drum & Bugle Corps | 2025 DCI Championships by TheBandMom.

“The Commandant’s Own” United States Marine Drum & Bugle Corps performing in exhibition during the 2025 DCI Championships in Indianapolis.

Based in Washington, D.C., “The Commandant’s Own” is the only active-duty drum and bugle corps in the United States Armed Forces and performs ceremonial and public events around the world on behalf of the United States Marine Corps.

Raw and Uncut exhibition footage captured during the 2025 Drum Corps International season

That's a scrambled version of last year's show, but I'll take it in the absence of Drum Corps International or FloMarching uploading a complete video of this year's program.  At least it has a good preview image.

Marching.com caught one of this year's street performances in U.S. Marine Drum & Bugle Corps - 2026 National Memorial Day Parade - The Commandant's Own.

The United States Marine Drum & Bugle Corps, as seen on the live stream of the National Memorial Day Parade on Monday, May 25, 2026.

Crisp. Powerful. Precise.

The Marines once again demonstrated the excellence and discipline that have made "The Commandant's Own" one of the most respected musical units in the world. A truly incredible performance worthy of the Marine Corps legacy.

Yes, it was. Follow over the jump for two performances by the USMC West Coast Composite Band before and at the 2026 Rose Parade.

Luis of Music213 brought us USMC West Coast Composite Band - The Marines' Hymn - 2026 Pasadena Rose Parade.

The United States Marine Corps West Coast Composite Band performing The Marines' Hymn at the 137th Pasadena Tournament of Roses Parade on a very wet Thursday, January 1, 2026. 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 Color Guard. It is the only equestrian unit that carries the American flag.

It was a rare rainy Rose Parade this year, but it didn't dampen the spirits of the performers and spectators.

It was also a rare appearance of USMC West Coast Composite Band at the 2026 Pasadena Bandfest.

The United States Marine Corps West Coast Composite Band performing at the 45th Annual Pasadena Tournament of Roses Bandfest on Tuesday, December 30, 2025. Their last performance at Bandfest was in 2014 with the 3D Marine Aircraft Wing Band and 2013 with the full composite band. What a treat to see the composite band back at Bandfest!

That's a wrap for today's marching music holiday. Stay tuned for more holidays, an early World Kindness Day, Friday the 13th, World Diabetes Day, and America Recycles Day. I love holidays!