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National Parks Provided Dramatic Backdrops for a Famous Marine Corps Commercial

Submitted by Bob Janiskee on April 23, 2009 - 3:00am

The Marine Corps Silent Drill Platoon performing the “bursting bomb formation” at the home of the Marine Corps Commandant. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Photographer's Mate 2nd Class Rob Rubio via Wikimedia.

In the fall of 2007, a film crew followed the U.S. Marine Corps Silent Drill Platoon as “The Marching Twenty-Four” toured and performed their precision drills in more than a dozen cities, towns, and special places – including national parks -- across the United States. Perhaps you’ve seen the “America’s Marines” commercial that was made from some of the tour highlights and special moments.

Have a close look at the “extended” version of the commercial, which can be seen at this site.

Now then, can you name all of the NPS units shown in this commercial? The first person to correctly identify all of them wins……… our respect and admiration.

Postscript: From May through August, you can see the Silent Drill Platoon perform at sunset and evening parades at the Marine Barracks in Washington, D.C. It’s located at 8th and I Streets SE.

Comments

Submitted by Jim (not verified) on April 24, 2009 - 10:45pm.

God, I LOVE our Marines!
Thank you, Bob for posting this awesome video.
Semper Fi.

Submitted by Omar Quadivich (not verified) on April 25, 2009 - 10:39am.

I count 6 parks:
---Jefferson National Expansion Park (ARCH)
---Golden Gate National Recreation Area
---Grand Canyon National Park
---Rocky Mountains National Park
---Independence National Historic Park
---Lake Mead National Recreation Area (Hoover Dam)
Also some of it was filmed at:
---New York City Broadway and Times Square
--- Point Judith Light, Narragansett, RI
---National Museum of the Marine Corps, Quantico, VA
Semper Fi
OMAR

Submitted by Bruce on April 25, 2009 - 11:04am.

Ha! Signed on as a new member, and likely to confuse things by posting this ahead of my comment on this story posted as a non-member. No matter. This is much easier and I am glad that I joined this community.

[Here is the other comment Bruce referenced]

That is an incredible video. I am not a Marine, but I am proud of them.

By the way, I will not reveal the possibility of easy cheating in your little contest. Nope, not me!

Submitted by Bob Janiskee on April 25, 2009 - 11:13am.

Well, you got four of the six NPS units correct, Omar, and that's not too bad. Want to take a crack at the "nearly visible" one?

Submitted by Bob Janiskee on April 25, 2009 - 11:17am.

Bruce: By "cheating," I assume you mean that you can use the info provided at the Marine Corps website where you can view the extended commercial. Go ahead and use that info all you like. The question is whether you can use it wisely. :o)

Submitted by Bruce on April 25, 2009 - 11:23am.

Hmmm. Good point. I am chastened. I have bookmarked this page and look forward to the complete solution of this puzzle!