Nearly 200 United States Merchant Marine Academy midshipmen will participate in the 57th Inaugural Parade in Washington, D.C., next week.
The academy will be represented by the Regiment of Midshipmen, including regimental staff, band, color guard, honor guard and a marching complement of midshipmen, representing all four classes and companies.
"As an institution, we recognize the historical significance of all presidential inaugurations, and we are privileged to participate in the 2013 ceremonial parade,” said Rear Adm. James Helis, USMMA superintendent, in a news release.
The midshipmen participating in Monday's parade, following the inauguration of Pres. Barack Obama, represent about a quarter of the academy’s 991 students.
During the past 70 years, USMMA midshipmen have marched in every Presidential Inauguration Parade since Pres. Harry Truman assumed office in 1949, according to academy officials.
It will be the twelfth inaugural parade for USMMA Director of Music Capt. Kenneth R. Force. As a member of the First U.S. Army Band in 1957, Force performed at the inauguration of Pres. Dwight D. Eisenhower.
“It is an honor to represent the maritime industry and all who have sailed on American merchant ships since 1775,” said Force, in a release.
The 2013 Inaugural Parade will proceed down Pennsylvania Avenue in Washington for 15 blocks between the U.S. Capitol and White House. Public entrances to the parade route will open at 6:30 a.m. and will close when the parade route areas have been filled. The parade begins at 2:30 p.m.
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