The US Air Force Band pays tribute to veterans
Posted at 17:13, Monday, November 14, 2022
On Veterans Day night, Friday, Nov. 11, local veterans, along with their families, friends and neighbors, were treated to a performance by the U.S. Air Force Heritage of America Band.
The free concert attracted a crowd that listened to a selection of patriotic songs with popular songs in a total of 19 pieces of music. The performance was held at the Turnage Theater in downtown Washington.
The Heritage Band of America was established on 1 October 1941 as one of the first Army Air Corps Bands created by the Secretary of War. The purpose of the marching band is to honor the merits of those who are currently enlisted and veterans who have served with honor in the United States military. Additionally, it aims to instill a sense of patriotism in listeners and is a recruiting tool for the US Air Force.
The Heritage of America group is traveling the East Coast from Maine to South Carolina. The Heartland of America Band, a similar band of the US Air Force, performs in Nebraska.
Members of the Heritage of America Band are “trained musician pilots hired specifically for the abilities each brings,” said commander and conductor Capt. Christina Muncie. For example, a flutist gets a flutist, and a percussionist gets a drummer. Muncie explained that their full-time military service is participation in the US Air Force Concert Band. This is a highly competitive position that requires many hours of training and education. Most members become professional musicians before joining Heritage of America.
Muncie said Veterans Day should remain in people’s minds because “we enjoy the freedoms we have today because of the service of those who came before us.”
“Often when people retire or leave the military, these stories kind of fall on the back burner, either because it’s not a question that gets asked or people don’t necessarily want to bring it up themselves. But every day in our communities around us, there are so many veterans who tell incredible stories about their service and the sacrifices they made. I think it’s the least we can do so that once a year we shine a light on these stories and thank people for the service and sacrifices they’ve made for our country.”
