The Academy Bands pays tribute to WWII Veterans Published March 13, 2009 By SMSgt Larry Hill The USAF Academy Band Louisville, KY -- The Academy Band presented "Celebrate America!" to a full house at Male High School in Louisville, KY. The concert was performed in honor of Mr. Warren Pendleton, who received the Bronze Star for his service in the United States Army during World War Two. Mr. Pendleton was severely wounded as a Private during the battle of Peleliu in the Palau Islands and received the award from Major General (Retired) Carl Black during the concert. The concert also honored Louisville resident, Robley Rex, who is one of the few surviving World War One veterans. TSgt Crissy Saalborn presented an exciting rendition of "America the Beautiful" to close the first half to a standing ovation. High school musicians from the Louisville area performed with the band on "Emblem of Freedom" by Karl King. Students performing from Butler Traditional School were Nathan Moore, Matt DeVore, and Cody Vance; all are students of David Epperson. From Louisville Male High School students of Nan Moore were Joseph Bowers, Laura Callan, Blake Ratliff, Amanda Gellhaus, Michael Alexander and Parker Staten. The Band will perform tonight in Henderson, KY at the Henderson Fine Arts Center. That performance will feature Henderson native MSgt Gene Montgomery narrating "Liberty Fanfare." Sunday afternoon the band will perform at Murray State University in Murray, KY.