Marines will descend on Nashville next month for a week-long display of discipline and firepower. They say it’s meant as a way of giving thanks to part of the country where they haven’t yet held one of their Marine Week events. And in a city more closely tied to the Army, it will also be a chance to recruit.
“We want the people to get to know their corps of Marines. Come shake the hands of individual Marines. Ask them what it is they do and why they do it,” said Brig. Gen. Robert Castellvi.
He’s confident their answers will impress. And if the handshakes aren’t good enough, there will be time to run fitness drills alongside actual Marines, because they will open up their morning regimen to all comers.
This is an annual event the Marines put on, in a different city each year. The
full schedule for Marine Week Nashville, Sept. 7-11, is online here.
In detailing the events, Col. Sean Salene
said Marines represent all parts of the country and all backgrounds — and they’ve been through a long period of war, hardship and “sometimes sorrow.”
“But we have been continually blessed to have that strand of young folks who are willing to step up and come forward and join the colors and serve their nation in a time of war,” he said. “We are eternally grateful that our country still produces patriots.”
The Marines hope that message will sink in as people see their tactical demonstrations, working dogs and the Marine band’s performance with country music stars. Among the events highlighted in Wednesday’s announcement:
- the opening ceremony at Public Square, 6 p.m., Sept. 7, featuring country music star Darryl Worley
- displays throughout downtown, to include MV-22 Osprey aircraft
- a guest appearance by the Marine Band during a performance of the Grand Ole Opry on Sept. 9
- a remembrance ceremony in honor of the anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks at War Memorial Plaza at 9 a.m., Sept. 11, followed by a live demonstration at Riverfront Park
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