Whitworth Welcomes the United States Marine Corps Battle Color Detachment March 9

Whitworth University is pleased to announce the U.S. Marine Corps Battle Color Detachment will perform the Battle Color Ceremony in the Whitworth Fieldhouse on March 9 at 6 p.m. as part of the unit's Northwestern Tour. This event is free and open to the public, but advance tickets are required.

The Battle Color Detachment is a distinguished group from Marine Barracks Washington, D.C., that consists of the U.S. Marine Drum and Bugle Corps, the Silent Drill Platoon and the Marine Corps Color Guard. Each year, this highly skilled unit of about 100 Marines travels worldwide to demonstrate the discipline and professionalism of the United States Marines.  

“When I heard the Marine Corps Battle Color Detachment was coming to the Pacific Northwest, I immediately began campaigning to bring them to Whitworth,” says Phil Labrie, associate director for military & veterans outreach. “I had the privilege of watching this amazing group last year at Marine Barracks Washington. Now, our whole community has the opportunity to see this awe-inspiring performance.”   

• The U.S. Drum & Bugle Corps is comprised of 80 Marine musicians dressed in ceremonial red and white uniforms. They perform a variety of music from marches to patriotic jazz. They are recognized worldwide as a premier musical marching unit.

• The Marine Corps Silent Drill Platoon is a 24-member rifle platoon that performs a unique, precision drill exhibition. The Marines execute a series of drill movements with their M1 Garand rifles with fixed bayonets. For the first time in its history, the platoon will be led by a female,  Silent Drill Platoon Commander, and Seattle native Captain Kelsey M. Hastings.

• The U.S. Marine Corps Color Guard is entrusted with the national ensign alongside the official battle color of the Marine Corps. They render appropriate military honors and display the Marine Corps’ illustrious warfighting history. 

The Northwestern Tour is part of the detachment’s preparation for the upcoming summer parade season at Marine Barracks Washington, D.C., the oldest post in the Marine Corps.  

During the ceremony, members of the U.S. Marine Corps will honor veteran Donn Thompson from Spokane. Thompson celebrated his 100th birthday on February 24. He was a private first class in the Marines and participated in five assault landings during World War II.

Please reserve your free tickets online. For tickets and more information, visit whitworth.edu/battle-color-ceremony.

The event will be livestreamed for those unable to attend in person. 

About Whitworth University:

Located in Spokane, Wash., Whitworth is a private liberal arts university affiliated with the Presbyterian church. The university, which has an enrollment of about 2,500 students, offers more than 100 undergraduate and graduate degree programs. 

Contacts: 

Phil Labrie, associate director for military & veterans outreach, Whitworth University, (509) 777-3302 or plabrie@whitworth.edu. 

Trisha Coder, media relations manager, Whitworth University, (509) 777-4703 or tcoder@whitworth.edu.