Savannah State University News March 5, 2015 United States Marine Corps Battle Color Detachment to visit Savannah Savannah State University (SSU) will host the United States Marine Corps Battle Color Detachment as they execute a demonstration in SSU's Wright Stadium on Sunday, March 22, at 5 p.m. The detachment is comprised of "The Commandant's Own," United States Marine Corps Drum & Bugle Corps, the United States Marine Corps Silent Drill Platoon and the official Color Guard of the Marine Corps. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., these Marines are part of the 8th & I, the oldest post of the corps. Each year, this highly skilled unit of 130 Marines travels worldwide to demonstrate the discipline, professionalism, and "Esprit de Corps" of United States Marines. The 36th and current Color Sergeant is Sgt. Allen Banks, a former student at Savannah State University and a member of the NROTC program. He carries the National Ensign for ceremonies in the National Capital Region, the Presidential Color for all White House State functions, ceremonies for the Commandant of the Marine Corps along with tours with the Battle Color Detachment. "The Commandant's Own" is the only military ensemble of its type in the armed forces. As traditional buglers, they are part of the time-honored tradition of performing daily bugle calls at their home post of Marine Barracks along with standard "honors" for the fallen at Arlington National Cemetery. The Marine Corps Silent Drill Platoon is a 24-man rifle platoon that performs a unique precision drill exhibition. This highly disciplined platoon exemplifies the professionalism associated with the United States Marine Corps. The university's Naval ROTC program began in 1971 with a class of 41 midshipmen and has produced stellar military officers. SSU's NROTC mission is to develop midshipmen mentally, morally and physically and to imbue them with the highest ideals of duty, and loyalty, and with the core values of honor, courage and commitment. NROTC exists to commission college graduates as naval officers who possess a basic professional background, are motivated toward careers in the naval service, and have a potential for future development in mind and character so as to assume the highest responsibilities of command, citizenship and government. The event is free and open to the public. There is no charge for stadium parking for this event. SANDRA M. PHOENIX Executive Director HBCU Library Alliance sphoenix@hbculibraries.org<mailto:sphoenix@hbculibraries.org> www.hbculibraries.org<http://www.hbculibraries.org/> 800-999-8558, ext. 4820 404-702-5854 Skype: sandra.phoenix1 1438 West Peachtree NW Suite 200 Atlanta,GA 30309 Toll Free: 1.800.999.8558 (LYRASIS) Fax: 404.892.7879 www.lyrasis.org<http://www.lyrasis.org/> Honor the ancestors, honor the children.