The Voice of the Marine Corps at the Iwo Jima Memorial
Peter Wilson awarded Legion of Merit by CMC

After 30 years of honorable and dedicated service as a United States Marine, Peter retired from “The President’s Own” U.S. Marine Band at Marine Barracks, Washington, DC, where he served as a Violinist, Section Leader, and Section Commander, as well as Ceremonial Narrator, Public Address Announcer, and Chief Script Writer for the “Oldest Post of the Corps.” For well over a decade, he was the senior enlisted musical advisor to The White House, where he performed as a Solo Violinist, Leader of the Marine Strolling Strings, Leader of small ensembles, and Band Leader and Front Man of the Marine Band’s pop/rock/R&B/country ensemble “Free Country.” Peter planned and executed countless performances for Presidents, foreign leaders and dignitaries, celebrities, and senior Cabinet, Congressional, and military personnel over five administrations. During his retirement ceremony, Peter was presented the Legion of Merit medal by the Commandant of the Marine Corps. He received laudatory letters from the 42nd, 43rd, 44th, and 45th Presidents of the United States as well as Academy Award-winning film composer and conductor John Williams.

CAREER HIGHLIGHTS

THE VOICE PROMO
MGySgt Peter Wilson, official ceremonial narrator
Marine Barracks Washington

RETIREMENT CEREMONY
MGySgt Peter Wilson conducts
“Air and Simple Gifts” by John Williams (@ 1:17:30)

NOTABLE COMMENDATIONS

LEGION OF MERIT

Marine Strolling Strings - WH East Room
Presentation of the Shadow Box Gift
Congratulations from Marine Band director Col Jason Fettig
The South Lawn of the White House
Peter Wilson - U.S. Marine

NOTABLE PERFORMANCES

Sting serenaded with Sting

“By his remarkable innovation, leadership and commitment to the mission of the United States Marine Band and Marine Barracks Washington, Master Gunnery Sergeant Wilson reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.”

FOR THE PRESIDENT,
GENERAL DAVID H. BERGER, COMMANDANT OF THE MARINE CORPS

PHOTO HIGHLIGHTS FROM PETER’S MARINE CAREER