Citadel, Charleston, South Carolina, USA

The Citadel is a public, coeducational college established as the Military College of South Carolina in 1842. Since its inception in 1842, The Citadel has sought to prepare its graduates intellectually, physically and morally to be principled leaders and productive citizens in all walks of life. It emphasises core values of Honor, Duty and Respect.

Almost every Friday afternoon when classes are in session, the cadets conduct a parade or award ceremony. The public is welcome to observe. It is quite a visual treat. It is great to see young people with an eye on a future of high standards and leadership - we need leaders to make positive things happen - and hopefully develop thoughtful alternatives to war.

One of the barracks across the street from the parade ground.

Visual definition: Stand up straight with your shoulders back.

The Citadel's own Regimental Band and Pipes leads the parade and provides accompaniment for the National Anthem and other marching tunes while the cadets march past the reviewing stands.

The Citadel Regimental Band and Pipes was the only U.S. band in Edinburgh, Scotland, for the 2010 Diamond Jubilee of the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, a month-long nightly festival of music, pageantry and demonstrations by military organizations from around the world.

Eye on the drum major.

White spats and kilts on the pipers.

And what parade would be complete without multiple firing of the cannons. Maybe next time I can time my photo to catch the fire from the muzzle...........

Citadel, Charleston, South Carolina, USA

The Citadel is the Military College of South Carolina.  John Milton, the English author in the 1600's, in his Tractate on Education, described a complete education as one that prepares the individual to perform justly, skillfully, and magnanimously, all offices both public and private, of peace and war. This is the essence of a Citadel education. Since its inception in 1842, The Citadel has sought to prepare its graduates intellectually, physically and morally to be principled leaders and productive citizens in all walks of life.  It emphasises core values of Honor, Duty and Respect.

Almost every Friday afternoon when classes are in session, the cadets conduct a Parade.  The public is welcome to observe.

This young cadet was the event announcer.  His mellifluous voice guarantees a future in broadcasting if he ever chooses to do so.  He had that "perfect announcer voice" - you know what it sounds like - rich, warm baritone that can magically charm and instill confidence in the listener.

The drum and bagpipe musicians led the parade, with the regular band close behind.  I'm not sure why two of the cadets were wearing a leopard skin apron.

The individual battalions followed the band.

This man in the audience stood and saluted this particular battalion of cadets - perhaps he is an alumnus of that group?

The maroon sashes apparently indicate juniors and seniors. 

And away they go until next Friday.........