Today's graduation ceremony was a landmark for the 502 new Marines of Echo Company, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion.

Among the new Marines are these distinguished graduates:

• Pfc. Gabriel Tabareshoyos – Spartanburg, S.C. – Honor Graduate, Platoon 2088

• Pfc. Connor Akowicz – Gloversville, N.Y. – Honor Graduate, Platoon 2089

• Pfc. Alan Bulvanoski – Howell, N.J. – Honor Graduate, Platoon 2090

• Pfc. Ramon Matossegura Jr. – Reading, Pa. – Honor Graduate, Platoon 2092

• Pfc. Grant Fogle – Frederick, Md. – Honor Graduate, Platoon 2093

• Pfc. Lucas Madonna – Grand Rapids, Mich. – Honor Graduate, Platoon 2094

• Pfc. Gregory Hoskins – Benton, La. – High Shooter, Platoon 2092

• Pfc. Paul Nhomba – Saint Augustine, Fla. – High PFT/CFT, Platoon 2094

Each new Marine persevered through 70 training days while passing each of the seven graduation requirements.

Additionally, before earning citizenship, applicants must demonstrate knowledge of the English language and American government, show good moral character and take the Oath of Allegiance to the U.S. Constitution.

Parris Island has been the site of Marine Corps recruit training since Nov. 1, 1915. Today, approximately 19,000 recruits come to Parris Island annually for the chance to become United States Marines by enduring 12 weeks of rigorous, transformative training. Parris Island is home to entry– level enlisted training for approximately 49 percent of male recruits and 100 percent of female recruits in the Marine Corps.