Photo By Lance Cpl. Glen Santy | Staff Sgt. Michael Flaningam narrates during the playing of “Casey at the Bat,”...... read more read more
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ESCONDIDO, Calif. – First Marine Division Band performed before more than 2,500 in attendance, during the Escondido Arts Center Concert, April 25-26.
The concert was dedicated to 12 of its members who recently returned from Afghanistan, in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.
The ceremony also recognized Chief Warrant Officer 4 Michael Edmonson, the band officer of the 1st Marine Division Band, who conducted his last formal ceremony with the band.
“This being my last concert, it really pulled at the heart strings,” said Edmonson. “As I was conducting tonight, I was really seeing history unfold from when I first arrived here in 2000, and thinking about the people that I have seen come through 1st Marine Division.”
Some of the songs the band played during the concert were marches and patriotic-themed songs like “Battle Hymn of the Republic,” and “George Washington’s Bicentennial March.” The band also played a song for each service and ended the concert with the “Stars and Stripes Forever.”
Both active duty and retired service members of all military services were in attendance.
“This concert was very emotional,” Edmonson said. “The audience was fantastic, and we really fed off that energy they provided. I was really pleased with how it turned out!”
The band does more than just play in concert halls and parades for active duty and retired service members.
“The 1st Marine Division Band represents the more than 25,000 Marines and sailors of the division with the great distinction.” said Maj. Gen. Michael Regner, commanding general, 1st Marine Division. “Each member of the band is first and foremost a Marine, receiving the same training and performing the same duties as their fellow Marines. Many of the musicians performing tonight returned from service in Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.”
Band Marines from all ranks enjoyed performing the concert and took pride in being the face of the Marine Corps.
“I think it all went really well,” said Cpl. Cory Balcorta, a flutist with 1st Marine Division Band. “We had people clapping and laughing. There was a wide spectrum of emotions tonight, and it really put a smile on my face.”
| Date Taken: | 04.26.2011 |
| Date Posted: | 05.05.2011 12:17 |
| Story ID: | 69895 |
| Location: | CAMP PENDLETON, CALIFORNIA, US |
| Web Views: | 213 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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