Centennial Celebration of the Marine Corps, Recruit Depot, Parris Island
story by cindy reid photography by paul nurnberg
Did you know over 100 million new Marines have been made right here at
Parris island? On Nov. 1, 1915 the Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris
Island (MCRD) was designated as a Marine Corps recruit depot, and it
has been the birthplace of new Marines ever since. It is the second
oldest post in the entire Marine Corps and is the longest continually
operating recruit training installation in the corps.
The official centennial is November 1, as that is the first day
the base’s mission changed from a detention center to a training depot
for Marines. Events celebrating this historic milestone have been
occurring since May and will culminate with a slate of activities on
October 16 and 17, taking place at MCRD and in the town of Port Royal.
Lowcountry residents are invited to help celebrate, along with
the many former and active Marines expected to attend the festivities,
as well as the new Marines and their families who will be here for the
graduation ceremony for Charlie and Oscar Companies on Friday October
16. The graduation ceremony is also open to the public.
Scheduled events include a 100th anniversary parade and a concert
by the Marine Band stationed at 8th & I, the historic Marine Barracks
in Washington, D.C.
The Parris Island Historical Society will screen a new
documentary film: We Make Marines, narrated by Emmy award winning
actor Tom Berenger, in various locations, a must see for residents and
retired and active duty Marines alike.
“This exciting, commemorative, 56 minute documentary film
celebrates 100 years of Marine training on Parris Island, South
Carolina. It provides the audience with a historical view of this
great institution and highlights the impact that the Marines have on
the well being and on the security of the United States. With the use
of archival photographs, exclusive never been seen before film
footage, current day interviews, and footage of certain elements of
Marine training on Parris Island, this documentary film celebrates the
exemplary physical, military and leadership training that has occurred
on Parris Island from World War I to today. “We Make Marines” will
provide viewers with an intimate look into what makes our Marines one
of our nation’s most respected military services. Semper fidelis.” By
Michael Kirk
In addition two new displays at the Parris Island Museum will be
dedicated October 16. The museum is free and open to the public,
giving the visitor the opportunity to “Explore the long and rich
legacy of the United States Marine Corps as well as the exciting
history of the Port Royal region. Thousands of artifacts, images, and
other materials illustrate the varied stories within the exhibit
galleries from Native American to modern Marines.”
http://www.parrisislandmuseum.
The Rededication of the “Iron Mike” statue and the “Drill
Instructor” and “Molly Marine” monuments will also be taking place
over the weekend. Visitors are welcome to tour the Charlesfort/Santa
Elena National Historic Landmark located at MCRD, and museum and base
tours will be offered throughout the two-day celebration. Events will
be at the MCRD and also at Port Royal, and the public is welcome and
encouraged to attend events at both locations.
