Graduation Week Events

Create your own experience. Attend as many or as few events as you want – all events are optional.

Wednesday

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.

Thursday

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.

Liberty Ceremony
All-Weather Training Facility (AWTF) • Soissons St., MCRD Parris Island

9:30 – 10:00 a.m.

The final ceremony before your Marine is released for the afternoon. The graduating Battalion welcomes families before Marines are dismissed by their Senior Drill Instructor for on-base liberty.

Liberty concludes at 3:00 p.m. but please ensure your Marine is back before 2:45 p.m. for the accountability formation.

Liberty

10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Marines reunite with their loved ones after 13 weeks of training for a well-deserved break. Marines must stay on base but there is plenty to do and see: go bowling, grab something to eat, explore MCRD Parris Island, do some shopping at the Marine Corps Exchange, or just relax and enjoy each other’s company. 

Marines must return no later than 2:45 p.m. for the accountability formation.

Warrior’s Prayer
Recruit Chapel • 6002 Blvd de France, MCRD Parris Island

2:00 p.m.

Join the Chaplains from the Recruit Training Regiment as they provide a prayer of protection for new Marines and their families. You can also see scenes of honor and sacrifice beautifully depicted by stained-glass windows. All are welcome.

Command Reception
Traditions • 78 Nicaragua St., MCRD Parris Island
843-228-1566

4:00 – 4:45 p.m.

The Commanding General, the highest ranking officer on MCRD Parris Island, and the Depot Command share in the excitement of Graduation during a casual reception. Graduating Marines will be busy preparing for Graduation and are unable to attend this event.

Make Reservations for Family Day Dinner
Reservations for Family Day Dinner held after the reception must be made in advance.

Family Day Dinner with Depot Command
Traditions • 78 Nicaragua St., MCRD Parris Island
843-228-1566

4:45 – 6:30 p.m.

Get to know other families, Drill Instructors, and the Depot Command while enjoying a seasonal menu made with fresh ingredients. Dinner is relaxed and informal with casual attire. Graduating Marines will be busy preparing for Graduation and are unable to attend this event.

Adults: $19.95
Kids 6-12: $9.95
Kids 5 & Under: Free

Make Reservations for Family Day Dinner
Reservations must be made in advance.

Friday

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.