I saw this same situation happen over and over when I was a young Marine. There would be some event, similar to the one mentioned, where all units had to show up and stand in unit formation for the ceremony. The highest in command for the event (Commandant, Base Commander, Division Commander, whatever) would specify what time everyone had to be on deck and in formation on the Parade Ground. Then TPTB, at every level up the chain of command, wanting to make sure everyone was there on time, would move the time up fifteen or twenty minutes, you know so we wouldn't be late. So, we would end up standing in formation, in our tight fitting dress uniforms, that were especially tight around the neck due to the neck tie two or three hours early. No, I am not exaggerating. Young healthy Marines would start to pass out every single time. It never changed and I doubt that it has changed to this day.
Yeah i remember a Queens birthday Parade where the Local Military camp had about 500 Soldiers come out to one of the town squares. They turned up at about 6 or 7 am - The parade started at 10 am - and they all had to stand in formation and at attention the entire time. I turned up early bout 9 am ( from memory i was working Construction down the road so it was a good as any excuse for all of us to go watch), and someone in the crowd had started a thing where if any of the Troop moved, jiggled, stretched their leg etc - everyone in the crowd would point at them and give them friendly jeers until the next poor guy. Good times ....
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