Marine Week: No Weakness Here

There are a few more of the Few and the Proud in Chicago these days. This week is the city's first ever Marine Week.

The honorable event, which began Monday, was established to recognize the contributions of local Marines and their families. While in town, the Marines will take on volunteer projects, talk to local students, provide physical fitness demonstrations, and even perform with local musical groups. Also, sure to inspire a few "ooh"s and "aah"s, the Corps will exhibit aircraft, equipment, and some of the cool technology they use.

While the Week began a couple days ago, there are still plenty of opportunities to meet (and respect) some of the nation's bravest men and women. A full list of events is available at the Marines' website, but only the following are free and/or open to the public:

Friday, May 15

• From 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., USMC robotics, technology, and vehicles will be on display at Navy Pier as well as the National Museum of the Marine Corps exhibit.

• The Marine Corps will provide martial arts demonstrations for the public as part of Chicago Moves Day at Daley Plaza from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

• For those of you in the north and west suburbs, USMC aircraft and other vehicles will be on display in the parking lot of the Arlington Park Racetrack from 12 noon to 7:00 p.m.

• From 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., the 29 Palms Marine Band will perform at the Navy Pier Dock Street Stage.

Saturday, May 16

• From 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., USMC robotics, technology, and vehicles continue to be on display at Navy Pier.

• USMC aircraft and other vehicles continue to be on display in the parking lot of the Arlington Park Racetrack from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

• The Marine Corps Silent Drill Platoon,“The Commandant's Own” (the Marine Drum and Bugle Corps), and the 29 Palms Marine Band will perform at Navy Pier from 8:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

Sunday, May 17

• Wake up bright and early to see the Marine Corps participate in the Chicago Spring Half Marathon at 7:00 a.m. Also, the 29 Palms Marine Band performs.

• From 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., USMC robotics, technology, and vehicles continue to be on display at Navy Pier, along with combat fitness demonstrations.

• USMC aircraft and other vehicles continue to be on display in the parking lot of the Arlington Park Racetrack from 11:15 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. (Entrance fees to the park apply.)

• The Marine Corps Silent Drill Platoon and “The Commandant's Own” move their performances over to Arlington Park Racetrack from 12 noon to 2:30 p.m. (Entrance fees to the park apply.)

• The USMC Battle Color Ceremony wraps up the week at 6:00 p.m. at Arlington Park, featuring all of the previously mentioned musical bands as well as the Color Guard. (Entrance fees to the park apply.)

Matt Bartosik, editor of Off the Rocks'next issue, has several friends and family in the Marines.

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