The U.S. Army Military District of Washington came to Cleveland last week with the 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard); the U.S. Army Drill Team; soldiers from The Command-in-chief's Guard; and The Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps.

The military's proficiency in pomp and circumstance is something that turns me on as well as thier love of history, tradition and loyalty. The Army's creme de la creme did an outstanding job of "wowing" some 17,000 people at the performance that we attended. I mean it was like a Broadway production, precision drill teams, laser show, history of our Country, props, powerful vocals, dancing to WWII music; a solo by a soldier playing the electric guitar like Jimmy Hendricks, on and on. If that wasn't enough, it was free, too.

At intermission some of the Honor Guard members, Fife and Drum people talked with attendees in the halls and the drummers and fifers had a good time playing tunes with good humor. It really was a fun event.

In addition, the U.S. Army Band "Pershing's Own" performed, The U.S. Army Chorale sang at the Cleveland Cav's basketball venue and it was a MOST impressive show. If you have an opportunity to see it, I'd highly recommend it.

http://www.usarmyband.com/
www.mdw.army.mil -202-685-3888
Cheers! Ray

Ray, I agree with you that the pomp and circumstance done by the military is the best--we try to go to military events as often as we can to watch. My husband and one of our sons both went to the U.S. Naval Academy. One of my favorite things to do when we visited there was to watch the parades (P-Raids). It brings a lump to my throat just thinking about it. Just being there for noon formation is spectacular enough. If you are ever in the Annapolis area, stop by at USNA just before noon and you can watch the midshipmen march to lunch. I imagine they do something similar at West Point.

Thanks for the links Ray - you do post the neatest things! BTW I'm saddened to think that Walter Reade is fading into obscurity - darn BRAC anyway!

Peggy - spending many, many weekends at both academies I remember the noon formations with great nostalgia - what fun to be reminded of them! (Of course that was in the dark ages - I trust they still do the same things now - )

j*Y

Ray, if you ever go to Edinburgh during August, go to the Military Tattoo at Edinburgh Castle. Marching bands from all over the world come there to perform. At the end, all the bands come out together and a lone piper on the wall of the castle plays. Fastastic. We were there at the end of the Queen's Jubilee festivities in 2002. She came to the Tattoo for the very first time. She sat right behind us atop the East stands. What I found remarkable was that she and Prince Philip walked up the bleachers like everyone else to the special box provided for them. All the time smiling and waving to the crowd. That night the Marine Band also came along with bands from many countries who had never participated before just to perform for the Queen at her Jubilee. A fantastic show even without all the special fanfare. Judith P.S. As a native Washingtonian, I can't believe they are closing Walter Reed Army Hospital.

Oceandancer: Joy, good to see you on this board again. Penny joins me in a big "howdie" to you and Bill.

Jam: I was at Edinburgh to see the Scottish Guard perform and that was a treat but nothing like what you saw.

I next want to see the Marine Corps. Silent Drill Team in Washington while visiting the WWII Memorial and hopefully U.S. Naval Academy.

Cheers! Ray