DATE: 17-18 July 2021, Saturday-Sunday    

LOCATION: Manassas National Battlefield, VA   

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION: July 2021 will mark the 160th anniversary of the battle of First Manassas and the National Park Service once again wants the USMCHC to partner with them in a major commemoration of the battle. The first face-to-face planning meeting between the USMCHC and Park staff was conducted on 22 October 2020 at the Manassas Battlefield Visitor Center. The tentative date being planned for the Anniversary Commemoration weekend is 17-18 July 2021. The Park has been considering fresh ways to tell the story of the battle and has been reviewing our concept of looking at different points of view. In that light the 160th Anniversary Commemoration will in part look at the Marine Corps point of view. Although still in the initial planning stages the Historical Company has been ask to provide the same support we have in the past. Our overall program will include a combination of Marine Corps exhibits (including the ‘Marines of 61’; the Marines during the 75th Anniversary in 1936; and the Marines of today), and walking tours including the “In the Footsteps of Marines” tour of Henry Hill, along with our Marines in period uniform presenting historic weapons demonstrations.  Lectures, and a Marine Band concert on that Saturday have also been discussed. In conjunction to on site activities the Park is looking at offering a guided bus and walking tour based on MSgt Gibbon’s Staff Ride that will cover the Marine’s march from Marine Barracks, Washington to Manassas culminating on Henry Hill. NOTE: The program’s content and structure is contingent on the COVID-19 pandemic and what restrictions that may still be in place.