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SAN JOSE, Calif. – The 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing Band participated in the 26th annual San Jose Holiday Parade, Dec. 2 .
During the cold and early morning, a 36-piece band began to warm up their instruments preparing for the performance in support of the Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots effort.
This year marks the 11th year the band marched in the parade to promote the Marine Corps and recognize the annual charity toy drive.
"I'm proud to have our band represent the Marine Corps in such a largely-publicized parade and help bring light to the toy drive and the efforts of the Marines during the holiday season," said Staff Sgt. Benjamin Becker, the band's drum major.
As the band marched down the street playing the Marine Corps hymn, the crowds screamed and clapped.
Veterans and military family members stood on the streets holding signs showing support for the Marine Corps.
"Our performances are just another way to expose the public to the Marine Corps," said Cpl. Matthew Whittaker, a percussionist with the band. "The communities we go to open up their arms to us, and it is a wonderful feeling to know that all of us are appreciated for our service."
The band also performed an intimate evening concert at Christmas in the Park, a downtown holiday festival with rides, food, holiday displays and a field of Christmas trees.
In the evening concert, the band performed "Sleigh Ride," "Frosty the Snowman," and ended with "Armed Forces '72," a song written by a former Marine which included hymns from all of the armed forces, with narration by Sgt. Matt Gregory, a trombone musician with the band.
"The audience can get a good feel for the Marines," said Becker. "It allows them to see and communicate with us in ways that otherwise wouldn't be possible and lets them know who we are and what we stand for."
The "Christmas in the Park" began in 1980, one year before the holiday parade came into effect.
It's always great working with the 3rd MAW band that represent the Marine Corps to its finest, explained Ed Bautista, the marketing and events manager with the city.
"In addition to representing the country, they are true musicians who put on a great show that the entire community loves to come out and watch," said Bautista. "It's the perfect opening for the Toys for Tots program."
The events the band participated in allowed them to share holiday spirits while making a good impression on the local community, explained Becker.
"This trip doesn't only benefit the Marine Corps as a whole but it allows more unity and practice for the band members," said Gregory.
| Date Taken: | 12.02.2007 |
| Date Posted: | 12.06.2007 17:44 |
| Story ID: | 14503 |
| Location: | SAN JOSE, CALIFORNIA, US |
| Web Views: | 236 |
| Downloads: | 225 |
This work, 3rd MAW Band plays in San Jose, by Cpl Melissa Tugwell, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
