I’m in Maryland visiting family and friends this weekend. Last evening, I took my mom and some of her friends into Washington, DC to see the Evening Parade at Marine Barracks Washington. I have fond memories of visiting the Barracks with my grandfather on Friday nights during the summers of my youth.
Marine Barracks Washington, also known as “8th & I,” is the oldest active post in the Marine Corps. It was founded by President Thomas Jefferson and Lt. Col. William Ward Burrows, the third commandant of the Marine Corps, in 1801.
Unfortunately, due to heavy rains, it wasn’t meant to be and the parade was cancelled.
I also have fond memories of Chesty, the official mascot of the Marine Corps. He’s at every Evening Parade, strutting his stuff proudly. It so happens that Chesty XIII was promoted to the rank of sergeant in an official ceremony earlier yesterday:
(Official Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Dengrier Baez/Released)
From Marine Barracks Washington: Cpl. Chesty XIII, the official mascot of the Marine Corps, and Sgt. Christopher Harris, his handler, stand in front of Col. Paul D. Montanus, Marine Barracks Washington commanding officer, during a promotion at the Barracks June 1. Renowned for his tough, muscular, and aggressive appearance, the English bulldog has been serving as a corporal since May 2010. Sgt. Chesty is always on duty at the Barracks, motivating spectators and guests at countless performances both here and abroad. Photo credit Cpl. Dengrier Baez:
If the parade hadn’t been cancelled, I wouldn’t have had the fortune of meeting a very special Marine last night:
Once they called the cancellation, Chesty was able to get out of his uniform and go for a nice walk in the rain. Both Sergeant Chesty and Sergeant Harris couldn’t have been nicer:
I told Sergeant Harris he had the best job in the Marine Corps, and as they walked off, I told Chesty that I loved him. Do you think that was too forward of me? ♥ ♥ ♥
Morning Bray Farm 
June 2, 2012 at 6:27 am
Talk about being in the right place at the right time – you lucky, lucky girl. Hurry home soon and bring some of that rain with you, please.
LikeLike
June 2, 2012 at 6:43 am
Carson,
I know, right?!
The rest of the weekend is meant to be beautiful, but it rained and rained last night. (Glorious!) I’ll try to bring some back with me.
Hope you and Denise are having a blast.
LikeLike
June 2, 2012 at 6:48 am
I think your comment would have been forward had you told Sgt. Harris that you loved him, Sgt.Chesty–not so much. 🙂 Does he give kisses with that giant doggy tongue?
LikeLike
June 2, 2012 at 6:56 am
CeeCee,
Haha! LOL. 😀 Sgt. Chesty was not a licker/kisser so much; he was a very polite young Marine. 🙂 He didn’t even smell like wet dog!
Sgt. Chesty clearly loves Sgt. Harris very much; that was very evident and very cool to see.
LikeLike
June 2, 2012 at 7:13 am
Hi Justina,
I first thought oooh, the parade was cancelled. Then I thought uuuh what a cute cute mascot. And then I could not believe that coinsidence. Sometimes rain turns out a blessing.
Have a nice weekend there!
Liebe Grüße,
Pia
LikeLike
June 2, 2012 at 8:27 am
Pia,
Thank you! That’s exactly what I thought last night. 🙂
LikeLike
June 2, 2012 at 7:13 am
That was the best celebrity meet-n-greet ever! Lucky you!!
LikeLike
June 2, 2012 at 8:28 am
Fantastyk Voyager,
I was definitely smiling from ear to ear after meeting him! 😀
LikeLike
June 2, 2012 at 7:24 am
Thank you for a great post. I served in the Marine Corps and never got to shake Chesty’s paw!
LikeLike
June 2, 2012 at 8:25 am
virginiaplantation,
Thank you for your service!
LikeLike
June 2, 2012 at 8:29 am
My pleasure!
LikeLike
June 2, 2012 at 8:04 am
“I told Chesty that I loved him. Do you think that was too forward of me?”
He’s used to it. All the women tell him that. 🙂 🙂
LikeLike
June 2, 2012 at 8:26 am
Vicki,
You are too funny. Please tell the big W I love him too. 🙂
LikeLike
June 2, 2012 at 8:15 am
I envied Justina for being so close especially in the picture with the cute dog and the good looking marine while I stood across the street fromm where they were. I do remember Chesty XIII walking behind Chesty XII walking to the center of the barracks about 6 or 7 years ago and people ohhhhed and awwwed when they saw them walking along with the marine. That was when the old one retired., I will never forget the picture in my memory.
LikeLike
June 2, 2012 at 8:29 am
Happy, Happy Birthday, Meemaw! xxoo
LikeLike
June 8, 2012 at 6:43 am
Thank you, my dear and also for a wonderful weekend with you here in Maryland. Love you…xoxoxo
LikeLike
June 2, 2012 at 9:02 am
It’s hard to resist a fellow in a uniform and Chesty cut a fine form, if I may say. What an unexpected treat!
I love a good parade march. The precision and perfection really strike a chord with me. One of my favourite movie scenes is the opening credits for “A Few Good Men” where a marine corps go through their parade drill. Love it.
LikeLike
June 2, 2012 at 7:20 pm
Carolynn,
I couldn’t agree more about a man in uniform! 🙂
LikeLike
June 2, 2012 at 10:30 am
I have always said, I have never every seen an ugly Marine in uniform. Sweet Man is a Marine. And he will be very jealous of your close proximity to Chesty XIII. What a lovely serendipitious occurance. I’m sure Chesty was thrilled that you told him you loved him. So thrilled for you.
Happy, happiest Meemaw. So glad your sweet girl could spend it with you. Hope you two are having the bestest of times together.I agree with Carson, bring the rain please. Oma Linda
I
LikeLike
June 2, 2012 at 7:47 pm
Linda,
Thank you! It was such a wonderful surprise for me! xo
LikeLike
June 2, 2012 at 7:12 pm
Wow, I always learn something at Morning Bray Farm. I gotta love anyone who can get excited about an animal celebrity! Sergeant Harris must have the best job in the service. Love the way he grips that leash with Marine precision.
LikeLike
June 2, 2012 at 7:49 pm
Flartus,
Hi! Hope you’re doing well! I agree – Sergeant Harris absolutely must have the best job in the service. 🙂 BTW, I too was impressed with that leash grip. 😉 xo
LikeLike