The seven riflemen from Ceremonial Platoon rehearse graveside honors prior to a burial detail at the QuanticoNational Cemetery on Jan. 28. The riflemen are Lance Cpl. Andrew Boyce from San Jose, Calif.; Lance Cpl. Drew Dameron from Chattanooga, Tenn.; Pfc. Armando Feijo from Tampa, Fla.; Lance Cpl. Jonathan Chavez from New Braunfels, Texas; Lance Cpl. Joshua Mitchell from Charleston, W.Va.; Lance Cpl. Ryan Leavitt from St. George, Utah and Cpl. Edgar Ramirez from San Bernardino, Calif.
Whether it’s conducting morning or evening colors, graveside honors or a color guard, the Quantico Ceremonial Platoon is there to represent the Marine Corps with pride and passion.
Although Ceremonial Platoon is best known for rendering graveside honors, they perform two other functions. First, they conduct colors each morning and evening at Lejeune Hall by raising and lowering the American flag. Second, they conduct color guards for various events. The color guards consist of two Marines who carry rifles, and two others who carry the American flag and Marine Corps flag.
Ceremonial Platoon has attended events such as the Marine Corps Marathon, retirement ceremonies and various sporting events. Currently there about 16 Marines in the platoon, and although they are small, their hearts are even bigger.
‘‘Being here is an honor because of the who Marines have passed away” said Lance Cpl.Andrew Boyce about attending funerals.
Typically Marines who work with Ceremonial Platoon volunteer and are brought together from various units. For example Boyce who is assigned to Combat Camera. On average, a Marine will spend six to nine months with Ceremonial Platoon before returning to their home units.
‘‘It’s a home away from home,” said Sgt. Christopher DeBose, a supply administrator with The Basic School, about the closeness ofthe Marines.
Like any other job, practice makes perfect. Marines new to the unit observe their fellow Marines at two funerals before learning the routine. Through numerous hours of practice, the skill becomes natural for most.
‘‘It’s a lot of opportunity for growth and small unit leadership,” said Cpl. Federick Brooks a ground radio technician with Headquarters and Service Battalion. ‘‘Being here isthe best kept secret, and we are doing something for families.”
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