Sloan Gibson, USO President and CEO , second from left, watches the United States Marine Corps Sunset Parade on the grounds of the Iwo Jima War Memorial in Washington, D.C., on August 3, 2010. The parade followed a reception held in Gibson's honor. (USO photo by Samantha L. Quigley)
On Nov. 10, 1954, the 179th birthday of the United States Marine Corps, a bronze monument modeled after the famous photo of the flag raising on Mount Suribachi, Iwo Jima, was unveiled at the Arlington National Cemetery. President Dwight D. Eisenhower dedicated the U.S. Marine Corps War Memorial to all Marines who had died to keep their country free.
Since September 1956, marching and musical units from Marine Barracks, Washington, D.C., have been paying tribute to those whose “Uncommon valor was a common virtue” by presenting Sunset Parades in the shadow of the 32-foot high figures of the United States Marine Corps War Memorial. – “History of the Sunset Parade“
The USO was proud to have our President and CEO Sloan Gibson honored at this week’s Sunset Parade. The parade is comprised of a one hour program that incorporates a precision drill by the Marine Corps Silent Drill Platoon and a music by “The Commandant’s Own”, The United States Marine Drum and Bugle Corps.
The Sunset Parade takes place every Tuesday during the summer at the Marine Corps War Memorial in Arlington. Click here for specific dates and times. The parade is free and open to the public at no charge and attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets for viewing. We hope to see you there soon!
Sloan Gibson, USO President and CEO, center, chats during a reception in his honor held at the Women's Memorial at Arlington National Cemetery on August 3, 2010. The United States Marine Corps' Sunset Parade on the grounds of the Iwo Jima War Memorial in Washington, D.C., followed the reception. (USO photo by Samantha L. Quigley)
Sloan Gibson, USO President and CEO, center, salutes as members of the United States Marine Corps' Silent Drill Platoon file past for review during the Sunset Parade on the grounds of the Iwo Jima War Memorial on August 3, 2010. The parade followed a reception held in Gibson's honor at the Women's Memorial at Arlington National Cemetery. (USO photo by Samantha L. Quigley)
