The annual spring ritual, America's Army in Review, was performed for the final time this season June 11 under cloudy skies .

The free pageant, performed by the U.S. Army Band, "Pershing's Own," and the 3rd U.S. Infantry (The Old Guard), celebrates the history and traditions of the U.S. Army.

About 400 people watched as The Old Guard's Commander-in-Chief's Guard began the performance at the foot of the Washington Monument, demonstrating the tactics used by the Colonial Army.

"This was a nice show," said Peter Were, a tourist from Hannover, Germany. "I went on the White House tour and was walking to the Lincoln Memorial when I heard the music playing and happened to see this," he said. "I learned a lot about the U.S. Army from this. I am impressed," he added.

As Pershing's Own played, Donette Humphrey of Paducah, Ky., said the program offered a different kind of attraction for the visitors.

"The kids really like the music and the soldiers, especially the ones in the older uniforms," she said. "This seemed like something different to see, and it's a good family activity," she added.

For Capt. George Dillon, Company A, 3rd U.S. Infantry, commander, Thursday's show represented not only the final one of the season, but also Dillon's final ceremony in the Old Guard. He is headed to a new assignment in Panama.

"I liked coming out here, meeting the people, telling them about the Army," he said. "It was interesting meeting people from all over the country, from around the world," he added. Dillon spent the hour walking among the crowd in a Colonial Army uniform answering questions and posing for pictures.

With the close of America's Army in Review, the units will still be in the public eye with a new season of the annual Twilight Tattoo.

Twilight Tattoo is a military parade in which soldiers from The Old Guard and The U.S. Army Band again trace the life of the Army, where it has been and where it's headed.

Twilight Tattoo performances will take place 7 p.m. Wednesdays at the Ellipse near the White House July 8 to Aug. 12 and 6:30 p.m. Aug. 19 and 26.