Beating Retreat on Horse Guards Parade 2014 | The Bands of HM Royal Marines

Join us for Beating Retreat on Horse Guards Parade 2014 featuring the Massed Bands of HM Royal Marines. Celebrating the 350th anniversary of the Royal Marines, we were joined by the 2d Marine Division Band "The Division's Own" and the Marine Band of the Royal Netherlands. With His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh in attendance, this was the finest military musical spectacular London had to offer.
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[@TheBandsofHMRoyalMarines]

The Mountbatten Festival of Music 2021 World Premiere Broadcast will take place on our KZbin channel at kzbin.info/www/bejne/hXrKmYCqmpmGibs featuring more amazing music including Neil Diamond, Ennio Morricone, Two Steps from Hell, and Brian Tyler.

[@jannieachterkamp3559]

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[@damarekonayaro5781]

The absolutely not a nonce Lord Mountbatten.

[@aliceutopocock9184]

An amazing show, thoroughly enjoyed. Loved the strains of ,Sarie Marais!

[@hansscheps9770]

@@damarekonayaro5781 hee man this the most beautifully presentation of all the navybands together with twisting music may be we can try to show this sort off formations in the military taptoe in ahoy the netherlands good luck for you and the musicbands and i hope to meet you With much greetings to you and your musici out of the netherlands. Hans scheps.

[@gilgreen4572]

1¹

[@rudolfhurlimann5336]

Wunderschön ! Ich liebe englische Militärmusik ! Gruss aus der Schweiz :-)

[@tomwilson9070]

Secret drum corps, equally amazing!

[@HoofinBob]

Rest in Peace Captain General Phil. We will miss you Sir. RM 45 Cdo

[@mrjamesyboi3960]

Loved every minute of it !

[@rafaelmercado6210]

Spectacular show!

[@Chrischi4598]

This is how you present a parade. In Germany we unfortunately have the bad habit with our broadcasters that they tend to ask questions in the middle of the song.

[@Tarv1]

was playing a game while listening, Netherlands startling playing Den Pobedy I was like wait what

[@justajolt]

Saw one of Simmerson's friends there...

[@thepatriot6966]

Haha!

[@SeekerKnight]

Condolences on the loss of Prince Phillip. He certainly was a grand gentleman who loved his corps, his nation, his Queen and their people. He will be sorely missed by the entire free world.

[@dennisroyhall121]

Well said Kevin, and my Amen to all you say....

[@sarahhearn-vonfoerster7401]

This was his world. So happy that he was able to be present for this last grand Tattoo!

[@ataxpayer723]

Prince Philip was an expert at standing around, and pointing at things.

[@1chish]

@@ataxpayer723 Combat veterans did more than stand around and point at things. They also earned the right to do so if they please.

[@petercook4070]

What a WONDERFUL event.The Dutch,The Americans and The British musicians were absolutely great. A credit to the armed forces of their respective countries.The Royal Navy guard impeccable Splice the mainbrace/

[@petercook4070]

Correction. Royal Marines Freudian Slip

[@roxybuell9898]

JUST AWESOME !!! (NY/USA) 🙂🇺🇸

[@fidny]

I gotta say as a former US Marine, watching those RM drummers coming at you is intimidating!!! Beautiful!!!

[@carriescarbrough9869]

American in Washington state. British traditions give us so many brilliant military spectaculars to watch. British patriotic military affairs are wonderful.

[@Goldenblitzer]

@John Bull that’s interesting, I’d be interested in finding out why that was, and why we changed. I’m glad we do now though, this was such a fantastic video.

[@mothmagic1]

Probably because we've had centuries of practice

[@sjefhendrickx2257]

@Untold dutch!

[@richardcleveland8549]

What an amazing show! I just stumbled onto this, and what a treat it was. As an American, I did think that the US might have sent THE US Marine Band from Washington instead of the Second Division Band (good though they were) as a gesture of respect for the Royal Marines and for our staunchest ally, Great Britain. No one, but NO ONE does ceremonials like our British cousins. Many, many thanks to the Bands of Her Majesty's Royal Marines for presenting this video.

[@simonpeterson6659]

The US Marine Core sent a band and we were grateful for their kind and fraternal gesture. They’re all Marines! x

[@richardcleveland8549]

@@simonpeterson6659 Gentle rebuke accepted.

[@richardcleveland8549]

@@jamierodg1 Not sure how to read your comment, but despite the fact that they're all Marines, I still feel that for a once-in-350-years occasion - and ESPECIALLY to honor the Best of their Fellow Marines! - the Corps should have sent the Big Band.

[@kenbuckley3294]

It was exciting to see the U.S. Marine Corps represented by the Second Division Band out of Camp LeJeune, N.C. General Lewis "Chesty" Puller would have been proud. The "Marines' Marine" backed his men to the hilt. A lifetime of service to the Corps and country, he was CO at Camp LeJeune where he retired in 1955. That's where I had the unique honor of serving in his newly created Honor Guard. The division band is truly representative of the military prowess of the 2nd Division and the United States Marine Corps. I was impressed with the Netherlands Marines, too. Three Corps of Marines, marching as one. Semper Fi.

[@lesleymcshanemitchell9651]

truly wonderful

[@karencaring3356]

A huge thank you from Canada. So proud to be a member of the Commonwealth. Both my parents served in the RCAF in WWII. 🇨🇦 🇬🇧

[@damienelliott4906]

Beautiful 🇬🇧🇨🇦

[@MS-zu8ds]

Thanks to your parents.

[@thepatriot6966]

USMC. Immaculate as always on parade. All my love and respect from an Englishman.

[@bulouvusonawalowalo1711]

From the Fiji Islands, thank you for this awesome display of 3 different nations marine Corp. God bless all 3 nations.

[@Thursdaym2]

So proud of my country. Unlike some nations, who I won't name, we don't parade with rockets and various armaments, we just give a magnificent display of marching and military music.

[@sassegranny4700]

All True. You all know how to have fun and enjoy life. Which this type could happen more often.

[@christopherqchin4319]

Yes! Music please!

[@thatprussian9147]

China

[@Nmille98]

The French.

[@jeffmilroy9345]

Did a lot of marching in the colonies.

[@ilTroubadori]

My old band..remember doing this gig many years ago now..proud to have served in the Royal Marines Band Service 😊

[@tee2899]

Happy days from when we served at HMS Raleigh Andy. I was ships company in Ajax galley.

[@rogerramsay5700]

NOW THAT’S what you call a MARCHING (in step) BAND Bloody brilliant even the Rope braid on the drums was swinging in time

[@captainscarlett1]

I've done Beat the Retreat as an infantryman. Weeks of square bashing with the RSM. Uniform perfect. The public are invited to come and watch, no pressure. Thinking about it still gives me a rush. The Marines did a fine job with their drill. The bands were as crisp and professional as I'd expect. Nobody does military ceremony like the British. It demonstrates the wealth and discipline available to the crown/nation. Flamboyantly.

[@mikec9810]

As a RAF officer, I was proud to be in the audience sitting next to my retired RM father. Fantastic parade.

[@youtubeaccount5738]

@@matthewplant2603 How the Liberals will buttfuck the entire nation

[@iriscollins7583]

Mike C. A ROYAL AIR FORCE Officer, I WAS PROUD TO BE IN THE audience, sitting next to my retired ROYAL Marine father. Fantastic Parade.

[@keithlancaster2269]

My father was also an ex royal marine for 22yrs I was also and ex Raf Rockape my father was in that crowd but sadly he passed away

[@peterhilligse90]

​@iriscol9īli 3:22 3:24 ns7583

[@emstirling-is4nu]

Tks to you both for your service. Once a bro always a bro.

[@davidchristensen9645]

Sitting here in Auckland New Zealand, August 23rd 2021 under lockdown again with the Delta Covid knocking us around so I started to watch this and absolutely loved every minute of it from start to finish, the music, the drums, the marching, the precision, thank you for guiding me to this site, stay safe and God Bless those who are being affected by this evil time in our lives, we shall overcome :-)

[@massimodigrado8820]

Tre bellissimi Inni Nazionali magistralmente eseguiti. Un fraterno ed Italico abbraccio al popolo Britannico, Olandese e Statunitense.

[@kenbuckley3294]

Translated: Three beautiful national anthems masterfully performed. A fraternal and Italic hug to the British, Dutch and American people.

[@johnhanson5943]

Great Marines! Only wish we had some great western and democracy committed statesmen / politicians to lead them / us and the ‘free’ world! Even slightly less than average would be ok.

[@EthanolEnthusiast]

RIght? Look at what we have.

[@anthonygosler7125]

Watching this as a Dutchman is so bittersweet. We never see our men and women of the armed forces parade through our streets. If only we could be proud as a nation, like the British and Americans.

[@hughgrection4205]

Well said but unfortunately overly socialist countries find this stuff embarrassing

[@davidharris4062]

Your Marines are some of the best

[@joffryvangrondelle]

@@hughgrection4205 lol the `Netherlands is not by far socialist ;-)

[@rebeccabeaton9237]

Beautifully done by marines of all three countries! God bless and protect us all!!

[@gopinathnvs3919]

The Dutch,the American and the British contributed master pieces of performance had stolen the hearts of the world population!! Hats off to tri musical force!

[@allandavis8201]

Even back in 2014 The Duke of Edinburgh was looking quite frail, I don’t think it was a shock to most of us in the United Kingdom when he passed away, after a lifetime of service to our nation, in good times and bad alongside Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II he was a consummate member of the Royal family and a huge supporter of our military, he is sorely missed. RIP your Highness, Lest We Forget, another of our greatest generation has passed, a decorated member of the Royal Navy during WWII, thank you for your service Sir. 😥😞😔😟🇬🇧🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🇬🇧

[@leonardwaga]

I'm glad that the full version of this is now available on KZbin. Beautiful as always! Glory to the United Kingdom!🇬🇧 Watching from the Philippines!🇵🇭

[@tomkramer6817]

nice presentation and production hard to produce on such a grand scale - made me proud of what used to be in celebrating - wished I was there ! old school Yank

[@lynerobinson7809]

Hours and hours of rehearsal----I love this!!!!!!! I loved our American Marines--makes me proud to be an American!!!! The whole thing was so well performed!!!!

[@johng9399]

Back to Wellington Barracks for a booze up of note!! :)

[@imperial6915]

Brother nations until the end!

[@questiondoneit2717]

Barbaric sea plunders history. ☠🏴‍☠️ Free Northern island and Scotland.

[@guypenrose5477]

@@questiondoneit2717 Nice. Just a thought old boy but the country is called Northern Ireland. If you are going to indulge in this sort of thing at least get the name right. Ta.

[@hudsondonnell444]

I would have found it amusing to see the Presidents Own Washington DC band at this Beating of Retreat in the only ceremonial tunic for the USMC in red.

[@fighterpilot5105]

As an American, I would happily buy these men drinks and dinner for holding the line 24/7.

[@lloydcollins6337]

And women now

[@Goldenblitzer]

@@lloydcollins6337 is such pedanticism really necessary, most everyone knows that women are also a part of the bands, and respect them equally, the use of men is a historical one, and is nowerdays, if subconsciously, an abbreviation of personnel in context. You’re not wrong by any means, but it surely exhausting for everyone if you keep bringing it up.

[@bigpardner]

What "line" is it that they are holding?

[@fighterpilot5105]

@@bigpardner They are still soldiers first and musicians second. THAT line.

[@sarahhearn-vonfoerster7401]

@@lloydcollins6337 Wish I were younger. What a thrill that would be!

[@petercurtis-brown2789]

Thank you for presenting something I could never otherwise see and appreciate.

[@satyasatya6694]

Nothing to beat the British, sometimes I wish they were ruling the world, there is beat the retreat ceremony in India also, left by the British, beautiful.

[@jakhaughton1800]

We might not be the best at many things but our armed forces and pageantry are the best in the World.

[@kenbuckley3294]

Agreed. And so is your Mini-Cooper.

[@arribaficationwineho32]

You gave the world many lovely customs and very interesting history.

[@robinmclaren4596]

In Rhodesia our bansmen were black and in my opinion the best because the sound was unique Rhodesian Never die...

[@SNOWDONTRYFAN]

No matter who it is on parade at horse guards, the Brits always turn out in immaculate order and present the finest military mass bands on the planet , the Royals will be flying the flag this year deployed on the Queen Elizabeth as the joint UK/USN and Dutch strike group deploys on its maiden overseas deployment to the pacific region and South China sea where no doubts the band will be performing ceremonial duties during its port of calls and entertaining the dignitaries when they come on board for Gin and tonics !

[@peternotarfrancesco2614]

Are the Queen’s ships still wet?

[@maconescotland8996]

@@peternotarfrancesco2614 Very much so !!!

[@georgecampbell3203]

Only on special occasions do they splice the main brace usually on Royal command, from the Palace.

[@peterwilliams1363]

The Best of the Best Bands in the World..The Royal Marines.

[@lesleymcshanemitchell9651]

Only the Queen could get Americans/ To play for her Birthday After they threw her Gt gt gt gt Grandfather Out God bless Us May we always stand together

[@adammullarkey4996]

This isn't the Queen's birthday celebration. You're thinking of Trooping the Colour. This is the Royal Marines Beating Retreat.

[@lesleymcshanemitchell9651]

@@adammullarkey4996 yes sorry

[@katerinakemp5701]

@@lesleymcshanemitchell9651 lol.

[@lesleymcshanemitchell9651]

only 8 years ago Prince Philip stood on Guard

[@adrongoddard7479]

@ 1:42:44 a slightly thinner and less stressed Boris Johnson enjoying himself.

[@Bruce-1956]

The Clown.

[@ChrisPbiker]

"Soldiers of the sea": honour, dignity, stamina, and bravery! What more could be asked for by a country of its service personnel?

[@sarahhearn-vonfoerster7401]

You forgot to mention extremely talented musically...no small achievement , considering the practice required at this level of magnificently coordinated achievement ! I loved these brilliant Tattoos while in Grad. School, first in Denmark, then Edinburgh. The Black Watch came to North Carolina, then to Washington, DC..we went, of course! Stirring!

[@johnshrlck]

there is no other word for this OUTSTANDING

[@kbflorida888]

1:29:14 God Save The Queen

[@christinenovell7433]

I know it's late messages but I have just found this it was brilliant as usual. ......WELL DONE ...... KEEP SAFE

[@baronedipiemonte3990]

The United States could do worse than to hold more displays like this in America...most European countries do this on a regular basis.

[@rogerramsay5700]

Imagine these guys marching down 5th Avenue New York the acoustics will be incredible with the sound of the drums bouncing off the buildings😎🇬🇧👏👍

[@peterlloyd8313]

Not easy to keep in step though.There would be a lot of echo in NY.

[@rogerramsay5700]

Trust me Peter Lloyd these guys could keep in step anywhere

[@peternotarfrancesco2614]

Think St. Patrick’s day parade or Thanksgiving parade

[@unclegreybeard3969]

Imagine being one of those young Dutch or American servicemen, would they ever dream of performing in front of HM Queen Elizabeth II when they joined their countries' service.

[@katerinakemp5701]

Superb no more words needed🥰🥰🥰

[@kennetheastwood3470]

Had to get my sticks out and bash the kitchen table

[@maiedova]

Wow the Netherlands Marine Band was sublime!

[@joegonder7578]

I keep watching this over and over. Musicianship and precision are amazing!!!

[@kenbuckley3294]

You have to love doing something like this. Has to be a part of you 24 hours a day. It isn't something you regard as a job. It's your life. Dedication, combined with fine musicianship, precision marching skills, maneuvers executed without a command, bolstered by total dedication to Corps and country. Royal Marines set the goals and the standard. You have to be a Marine to get that unfathomable fantastic spirit. Once a Marine- Always a Marine. Per Mare Per Terram (by Sea By Land) U.S. Marines Semper Fi (Always Faithful) Dutch Marines Qua Patet Orbis ("As Far as the World Extends")

[@markdurham7939]

So proud to be English,God save the Queen

[@Tocsin-Bang]

Doesn't matter which country they are from they do it with elan, class and the highest of standards of musicianship and drill! After all they are all marines!

[@hansscheps9770]

Een woord fantastisch

[@donball5918]

I may only wonder how many, many hours and days it took to perfect these skills. Truly impressive !!!

[@mothmagic1]

A lot but less than you might imagine

[@kenbuckley3294]

You'll never know. You just get to see the finished product.

[@johnstevenson1709]

There are videos of the practices on KZbin if you look for them

[@ginlibomjen5707]

Machine men with super brains with their wonderful musical instruments.

[@genesecor929]

I am ashamed that our Marine Corps band is a marching advertisement for Pearl drums. I wonder who got that money?

[@rogerbrant7232]

Spectacular ! The British are sharp as a scalpel... Always a good job and out preforming the others ! Salute from the USA...

[@MarchingbandVideos]

funny to see Boris Johnson dance at the end on the music haha

[@sonaldaveaaronluke]

So proud of being British with Brother and son serving in the Royal Navy

[@Anglo_Saxon1]

I'll bet your proud mate.And with very good reason.

[@yahyahussein425]

Odd that the US Bandmaster alone did not wear gloves; I am sure that the USMC Commandant gave him a ticking off.

[@josephturner4047]

Or a sword.

[@yahyahussein425]

@@josephturner4047 I was thinking that as well how odd he looked swordless but wondered if Marine Bandmasters would be entitled to wear a sword on parade like the officers. I have to consult the regs.

[@davidrobinson5999]

Makes me PROUD 2B Btitish !!!

[@johnstevenson1709]

If you're 2b you must be a bit soft

[@davidrobinson5999]

@@johnstevenson1709 Better 2B than an arsehole like U U

[@mylifeinthailand8751]

Watchined a U.S. Marine band play the Marines Hymn on St.Patrick’s in Waikiki Oahu in 2017, they were great. I was there with my Dad an Ex-Irish Guard Colour Sergeant

[@mjograus8800]

Sarie Marais an Afrikaner song adopted as a respectful tribute to the brave Boer commandos who fought The British Empire almost to a standstill. "Give me two divisions of those marvellous fighting Boers ( Mainly Dutch farmers from the Boer War) and I will remove Germany from the face of the earth." Field Marshall B L Montgomery*Commander of the Allled forces during WWII.

[@karelphillips3483]

It shows that music and drill are universal

[@Jesse2ful]

The Royal Netherlands Marines playing of SALAMANCA was simply outstanding ! None could equal that ! Bravi a tutti !

[@primaveraitaly5002]

Fantastic. So proud to be British.

[@dh1sbg]

So, what die you do to be britisch?

[@primaveraitaly5002]

@@dh1sbg I am British. Varani is my married name. Try at least to spell British properly.

[@primaveraitaly5002]

@TAHIR DE LA NIVE ha ha ha😊

[@questiondoneit2717]

Proud to be sea plunders ☠🏴‍☠️!!!! 🤬 curse to the sea plunders!!

[@dennisroyhall121]

Say that again Susan and hear my Amen loud and clear!

[@CymruEmergencyResponder]

Why do US musicians use chest rigs rather than traditional military side drums? Do females not have to have their hair tied up either?

[@Goldenblitzer]

Lol, I noticed that, the top secret drum corp (non military) uses the same thing, it’s somewhat off putting as its not slanted as opposed to the other Marine Corps, the leather strap(???) looks so much smarter imo

[@jvanhest]

If you search KZbin you will see they actually use both. I’m not sure if it’s just particular bands or if it is by occasion type they deploy them.

[@claudiotAlessio]

Desde o brasil meus parabéns a essa fantástica apresentação 😍😍😍

[@barbarawalter3816]

Worth every minute. Quite impressive. Glad I chanced on the presentation.

[@masterbrick6282]

Rest in peace your majesty Long live the king

[@natheniel]

Thank you for uploading the full version!

[@VMA225]

All I Can Say Is BRILLIANT !!!

[@notwocdivad]

SUNSET was played at my Father in Law's funeral! He was a proud member or HM royal Marines Commando ret, I once said he was an Ex Royal Marine to which he replies Once a Royal Marine ALWAYS a Royal Marine!

[@emstirling-is4nu]

So true...a brothehood no matter which regiment they belonged to, great respect for each other.

[@vincejamison2401]

You gotta admire the US Marine band performing from memory on a few pieces. No charts required. The sound engineering for this broadcast is absolutely superb. How they mic'ed these mass bands is impressive and deserving of an award for best sound production.

[@jaywu4169]

Just to note the Corp of Drums don’t use music sheets ever, plus the way the Royal Marines do intricate drumstick movements bringing the sticks up under the nose in sync is impressive

[@gopinathnvs3919]

This musical performance is more than a Hollywood Moovie, beautiful show, really great, many more congrats from India.

[@grahamm3139]

This has to be up there as one of the best parades of all time. Spectacualr stuff!

[@chanchancl2987]

Grandiose, quel honneur pour "The Marine Band of the Toyal Netherlands"

[@fernandocondesangenis5310]

As tropas inglesas tem uma tradição de serviços prestados à Pátria, que remonta vários Séculos e as Bandas Musicais Militares tem uma importante presença em todos os fatos e eventos a que o Exército e os HM Royal Marines estiveram empenhados. Congratulations.

[@Sauerland39]

March of the Leib-Garde Preobraschenski Regiments at 27:35...... is a very nice march....

[@adammullarkey4996]

A brilliant show. Many thanks to our friends from the Korps Mariniers and the US Marine Corps for their contributions.

[@lesleymcshanemitchell9651]

And my heart soared

[@CoherentChimp]

That Highland officer stole the show. All eyes on him.

[@paolocabling]

Forgive my ignorance. Why is he commanding the Marines when he's of a different service?

[@CoherentChimp]

@@paolocabling He's probably seconded or attached to a Royal Marines Commando Unit. He may well have completed a Commando course, and is serving with a Royal Marines Commando unit, but he has not joined the Royal Marines. Not all Commandos are Royal Marines.

[@lloydcollins6337]

@@CoherentChimp There was a USMC officer attached to them at some point alongside this highland officer too - saw them both in at least one parade.

[@redstripe54]

The reason there is a Scottish Officer with the Royal Marines is because of the following historical Affiliation. Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders Early connections date from Balaclava in the Crimean War and Lucknow during the Indian Mutiny, but the main association stems from World War 2. In July 1940, after the fall of Dunkirk, the 5th Battalion, Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders served with the Royal Marine Brigade for over a year. When HMS Prince of Wales and Repulse were sunk in December 1941, the Royal Marines survivors joined up with the remnants of the 2nd Battalion, in the defence of Singapore. They formed what became known as 'The Plymouth Argylls', after the association football team, since both ships were Plymouth manned. Most of the Highlanders and Marines who survived the bitter fighting were taken prisoner by the Japanese. The Royal Marines inter-unit rugby football trophy is the 'Argyll Bowl', presented to the Corps by the Regiment in 1941. A message of greetings is sent to the Regiment each year on their Regimental Day, 25 October, the anniversary of the Battle of Balaclava in 1854.

[@Flappatackle]

@@redstripe54 Great answer, thank you.

[@TMBD50]

Excellent and detailed registration of this unique performance!

[@kenbuckley3294]

The unique thrill would to be marching along with them. At 89 I'd go for it.

[@mothmagic1]

at 74 i would too

[@sarahhearn-vonfoerster7401]

So would I, I'm pretty good on the fife!

[@sarahhearn-vonfoerster7401]

Oops! Forgot...I'm a Senior "girl" now!

[@kenbuckley3294]

@@sarahhearn-vonfoerster7401 I marched to the Band of the Royal Marines in Liverpool as a proud member of the Sea Cadet Corps. I was about 14 and as you can see it left an imprint from head to toe. It's still with me at 89. And I'm ready to go. Age can't erase wonderful memories.

[@jeanettereynolds3151]

To you all you still got it xxxxx

[@peterDKklausen]

Amazing performance from all 3 bands, only cringe moment for me is the salut by the flag carier when he lowers the flag onto the ground, i know that the way they do in England but as a Dane and former Royal guard letting the flag toutch the ground is so taboo... again i really like these performances good music to lisent to while working on the computer at home...

[@Hardia882]

As the daughter of a USMC aviator I cringe at the flag touching the ground too. I’ve seen this done at UK Remembrance Day ceremonies several times & will probably never get used to it. Each country has their own traditions & all I can do is respect them.

[@alvindurochermtl]

Britain isn't the only nation whose regiments and units salute with their Colours this way. Pretty much all Commonwealth countries and some European armies such as the Vatican Swiss Guards are still doing it. The drill movement of dipping the Colour to the ground to salute (vailing) began around the 16th century, to symbolize the regiment which the Colour represents is kneeling before the inspecting Royalty. Back then the Colour pole was an actual weapon and it's still called a pike today. To lower the tip of your pike until it touches the ground also symbolizes the regiment means no hostility towards the King, which in those days was an important gesture, as armies and lords changed their loyalty and rebel all the time. If you think about it, this mirrors how officers salute with their swords in most armies even today and it's the same idea, except of course the your sword wouldn't be long enough to have its tip touching the ground, unless you are extremely short. The fact that you now think a flag should never touch the ground is actually an exception made up in modern times. In the span of history that has never been the rule.

[@Hardia882]

@@alvindurochermtl - Thank you for the informative & detailed explanation. Perhaps us Yanks don't observe this custom because we don't have a monarch as head of gov't & the fact that our very existence is based upon a large-scale revolt against being part of a monarchy. I enjoy hearing about & visiting other countries, learning about their customs & how/why they became customs. So, thank you for the interesting history lesson.

[@alvindurochermtl]

@@Hardia882 I would imagine that Britain being an older country than the United States and it's closer to the Continental European court culture historically has more to do with these traditions than having the monarchy system per se. Proper Colours are embroidered with bullion threads which means real gold and which are very expensive to have them made, so I can imagine why some countries don't want to have it touching the ground and risk soiling it especially when you are parading on a rainy day and this is why some countries have made it a no-no for these Colours to touch the ground. In these cases I'd think it's more a matter of practicality than a cultural taboo why people are told that it's a bad thing to do. By the way the monarchy in the Commonwealth at least is technically the Head of State and not the Head of Government. In modern constitutional monarchy, the monarch reigns but does not rule, and this exists only to ensure constitutional stability and smooth transitions between governments and to protect the integrity of the nation's democracy system should the Prime Minister step out out line, or should there be a Parliamentary crisis when the PM is given a no confidence vote. The one who actually rules or makes executive decisions is the Prime Minister and she or he is the Head of Government. In the United States the POTUS is both the Head of State and Head of Government.

[@lloydcollins6337]

@@Hardia882 You also never dip the stars and stripes in salute I believe, whereas the UK does with the Queen's Colour as well as the Regimental Colour.

[@bapxao1993]

Parade without displaying weapons, not show off like other nations, so significant!

[@larrylaurenzi1625]

Our flags are the Same colors.

[@williamzachary3838]

Thank you for this recording - truly a most remarkable performance between great allies with storied traditions. Rule Britannia!

[@wendyh3891]

Oh my goodness me that was just fantastic! Thank you for sharing. Love from South Africa

[@garyproffitt5941]

Proud to be British and my Dad was a Royal Marines Commando ~ ☺👍

[@rdcs1959]

thank you all so much for working together!!!

[@dunelander-PC]

OUTSTANDING!!!

[@franceslaw8993]

The US Marines were entertaining but I couldn’t see the Royal Marines doing such obvious solos and swaying in time to the music. I couldn’t see the pipe bands doing that either. I admit to not understanding all the figures that they formed either. Still well done guys. Also well done to the Royal Netherlands Marines. From Sydney, Australia. A beautiful show overall. I love the massed bands. What a wonderful way to pass the time!

[@petermairinger2495]

Tolle Musik und tolle Aufmarsch sehr imposant. Toll....

[@CrusadR4real]

The USMC have their "silent drill", the RM have their "Beating retreat". Great Stuff!

[@ursulatevis5146]

That was amazing! Thank you to all3 countries. Can't wait to see an Army one!

[@robertcolvin3182]

Wow! Just WOW!

[@raeolliver3452]

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