Paying Tribute to Veterans and Armed Forces Day Published May 9, 2012 By Master Sgt. Jake McCray The U.S. Air Force Band 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.