Create your own experience. Attend as many or as few events as you want – all events are optional.
Marine Corps 101, including a Behind the Scenes Tour
Douglas Visitors’ Center • 283 Blvd de France, MCRD Parris Island
10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Marine Corps 101 has everything you need to know about the Marine Corps lifestyle. Discover the history and traditions of the Marine Corps as well as the core values held by all Marines. After the brief, take a tour of the Island highlighting some of the locations that helped shape your Marine.
Seating is limited and advanced registration is required.
Register
Family Orientation Brief
Douglas Visitors’ Center • 283 Blvd de France, MCRD Parris Island
1:30 – 2:30 p.m.
Learn how we make Marines, what to expect after graduation, and the unique resources and services available to Marines and their families.
Motivational Run
Along Blvd de France, MCRD Parris Island
7:00 a.m.
The Motivational Run, or MOTO Run for short, is a 2.7 mile run demonstrating unity, motivation, and achievement. Marines run in company formation from training battalion to training battalion, calling cadence, and ringing each battalion’s bell signifying their imminent departure from the Depot.
Families and friends line up along Blvd de France leading up to the Peatross Parade Deck to cheer on their loved ones with posters, banners, and a lot of pride.
Morning Colors Ceremony
Barrow Hall • 154 Blvd de France, MCRD Parris Island
7:45 – 8:15 a.m.
The Morning Colors is one of our most powerful ceremonies and a time honored tradition. The MCRD Parris Island Marine Corps Band plays the National Anthem as the Nation’s colors are raised, a perfect way to begin a day you’ll always remember. The Commanding General warmly invites you to attend this special ceremony.
Graduation
Peatross Parade Deck • Blvd de France, MCRD Parris Island
9:00 – 10:00 a.m.
After 12 weeks of rigorous training, new Marines march together one last time onto the Peatross Parade Deck. This formal ceremony recognizes their accomplishments during Recruit Training and acknowledges their official place among the U.S. Marine Corps. Thousands of parents and families wait anxiously to hear the Drill Instructor’s final word: “Dismissed!”
Learn more about Graduation.