by Master Sgt. Jake McCray
The U.S. Air Force Band
5/9/2012 - Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling, D.C. --
Paying Tribute to Veterans and Armed Forces Day
Armed Forces Day, May 19, was established on Aug. 31, 1949 in an effort to
replace separate holidays for each of the armed services. The celebration
stemmed from unification of the Armed Forces under the Department of Defense.
As such, The U.S. Air Force Band will pay tribute to all of the nation's
military branches commemorating Armed Forces Day with two upcoming concerts.
Featuring the U.S. Air Force Concert Band and Singing Sergeants, the program
titled "The Cause of Freedom" will feature repertoire ranging from traditional marches
dedicated to the military, popular music from the WWII era, and other
patriotic pieces that instill a sense of pride and patriotism to listeners
young and old.
The first concert celebrating this patriotic holiday is on May 15 at Hayfield
Secondary School, 7630 Telegraph Road in Alexandria, Va. Your second chance to
pay tribute to all military members is on May 17 at W.T. Woodson High School,
9525 Main Street in Fairfax, Va. Both concerts begin at 7:30 p.m.
Representing an initiative by the Band's newly-appointed commander Colonel
Larry H. Lang, these two concerts celebrating Armed Forces Day are, in his
words, an attempt to "share the same treasures normally presented to our
national audiences with those in the National Capital Region." From music in
the schools to concerts in local parks, check this website and local listings
as The United States Air Force Band continues to make new strides in reaching
out to your community like never before.
