The Quantico Marine Band and more than 75 Marines from Marine Corps Base Quantico and Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall attended a Nationals’ baseball game for Marine Corps Day at Nationals Park on May 8, 2013.

An ensemble from the Quantico Marine Band greeted men, women and children with easily recognizable tunes such as Jack Norworth’s “Take Me Out to the Ball Game” as they entered the stadium - making it known the Marines had landed at Nationals Park.

The National League game between the Washington Nationals and the Detroit Tigers drew a crowd of more than 34,000, who paid respect to the sacrifices Marines – past and present – have made.

            Two of the Corps’ top leaders participated in the evenings opening ceremonies. Lt. Gen. Willie Williams, director of Marine Corps Staff, Headquarters Marine Corps, threw out the opening pitch, and Sgt. Maj. Craig Cressman, Headquarters & Service Battalion sergeant major, Headquarters Marine Corps, delivered the game ball Williams threw.

            The starting lineup – traditionally a team’s lineup for the game – showcased Marines standing tall in their Dress Blue “D” uniforms. The Marines were introduced by name as they took the field for Williams’ opening pitch.

 “I’m here representing my service and all the Marines in our Corps,” said Cressman, seated front and center, a symbol of the institution he has served for more than 25 years.

The Marine Corps exists because “the public wants a Marine Corps,” Cressman said, stressing the importance of showing service colors to the public which he has served.

“We’re showing our community that we appreciate them just as much as they appreciate us,” said Sgt. Megan Angel, Headquarters Marine Corps, Community Relations chief. “With the help of all of the Marines here, this has been yet another success for the Marine Corps.”

The Marines weren’t the only ones with a victory that evening: the Nats took down the Tigers, 3- 1, after the game had been delayed a day and was nearly being rained-out once more.