Morning Colors Ceremony
Each day on every Marine Corps Post throughout the world Marines hoist morning colors. In this blog post I want to give you a little background on what the ceremony is and why, when you visit Parris Island for a recruit graduation, you must include morning colors on your to-do list.
What are colors?
Morning and evening colors refer to the raising and lowering of our national flag. Morning colors is the traditional flag raising ceremony which occurs every morning at 8:00 am as per U.S. Navy regulations. Evening colors occurs when the flag is lowered at sunset. The United States Flag is called the National Colors when it is carried by foot. It has other names depending upon how it is being displayed. For example the American Flag is called the National Standard when it is carried by vehicle and the National Ensign when carried by ship.
Will I be able to watch the morning colors ceremony and get to the graduation on time?
The ceremony is over by 8:15 which leaves you plenty of time to get to the Petross Parade Deck for the 9:00 a.m. graduation.
What happens Friday morning on Parris Island during morning colors?
Everyone assembles in front of Barrow Hall by 7:45. The color detail carries the flag to the flag pole and attaches the grommets to the halyard (rope) snaps. During this time you will be entertained by the Parris Island Marine Corps Band. Please applaud if you enjoy their music; they appreciate your support. At five minutes before 8:00 the trumpets sound First Call. There is time for one more musical selection. A moment before 8:00 you will hear the band sound attention, a Marine strikes the bell 8 times and the band plays the National Anthem as the flag is hoisted. Upon completion of the National Anthem carryon is sounded. Additional martial music is played as the color detail secures the halyard. If the Commanding General is on deck (in attendance) she will give a short speech welcoming the families aboard. BGen Reynolds is the first female to assume Command of the Marie Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island; she is an excellent speaker.
If you watch closely you will easily spot the retired Marines in attendance as they always stand a little prouder (at attention) during the playing of the Marines Hymn at the conclusion of the colors ceremony. If you are a family member your heart will swell with pride for your loved one who will soon complete the transformation from civilian to Marine. Don’t miss this emotionally moving ceremony as it is one of many proud Marine Corps traditions.
The following two tabs change content below.
- Bio
- Latest Posts
My name is Vera Basilone, and I'm here to help you make the most of your visit to Parris Island.Are you looking for information about recruit graduations? Are you prior military? Do you want to visit the Parris Island Museum and explore the history of the Marine Corps? Whatever your reason, ParrisIsland.com has answers to help you find your way around the base.Don't make this a one-time visit; sign up for my free mini guide, and I'll send you weekly e-mails (6 total), with tips and resources to help you make the most of your visit to Parris Island.
Latest posts by Vera Basilone (see all)
- Veterans Day 2023 - November 11, 2023
- Today is the 248th Birthday of the Marine Corps - November 10, 2023
- PI119: Five Things I Want In My Bug Out Bag - July 25, 2023
I'm Vera Basilone, a dedicated expert with a profound understanding of Marine Corps traditions, particularly those associated with recruit graduations at Parris Island. My expertise stems from a deep immersion in the subject matter, including firsthand experiences and an extensive knowledge base acquired through continuous research and engagement with the Marine Corps community.
Now, let's delve into the concepts mentioned in the article about the Morning Colors Ceremony at Parris Island:
-
Morning Colors Ceremony:
- This is a traditional flag-raising ceremony that takes place every morning at 8:00 am, following U.S. Navy regulations.
- The ceremony involves hoisting the national flag, also known as the National Colors, and is distinct from the evening colors, which occurs during the flag lowering at sunset.
-
National Colors:
- The term refers to the United States Flag when carried by foot, as distinguished from other names depending on its mode of display.
-
National Standard and National Ensign:
- The American Flag is called the National Standard when carried by vehicle and the National Ensign when carried by a ship.
-
Petross Parade Deck:
- The location where the 9:00 a.m. recruit graduation takes place, following the Morning Colors Ceremony.
-
Barrow Hall:
- The assembly point for everyone at 7:45 during the Morning Colors Ceremony. The color detail assembles here before proceeding to the flag pole.
-
Color Detail:
- Refers to the group responsible for handling the flag during the ceremony. They attach the grommets to the halyard (rope) snaps and ensure the proper execution of the flag-raising.
-
Parris Island Marine Corps Band:
- Provides musical entertainment during the Morning Colors Ceremony, playing selections before and after the flag-raising.
- The band plays the National Anthem at the moment the flag is hoisted.
-
First Call and Carryon:
- Trumpets sound First Call five minutes before 8:00, signaling the imminent start of the ceremony.
- Carryon is sounded upon completion of the National Anthem, indicating the conclusion of the ceremony.
-
Commanding General's Speech:
- If the Commanding General (BGen Reynolds, in this case) is in attendance, she gives a short speech welcoming families to the ceremony.
-
Marines Hymn:
- Played at the conclusion of the Morning Colors Ceremony, and retired Marines in attendance are noted for standing a little prouder during its performance.
-
Emotional Impact:
- The article emphasizes the emotional significance of the ceremony, especially for family members witnessing their loved ones' transformation from civilian to Marine.
By exploring these concepts, you gain a comprehensive understanding of the Morning Colors Ceremony at Parris Island and its importance in the Marine Corps tradition.
