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Veterans Day Tributes abound locally and abroad

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Eric Sullivan
WASHINGTON --  
"I do solemnly swear that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same...." ---U.S. Armed Forces Oath of Enlistment

The oath of enlistment was instated in 1775 by the Continental Congress, and has only been changed three times in the 240 years since. During that time, each and every person who has joined the armed forces of the United States has uttered some version of the words, promising to support the Constitution and defend our country again any and all threats. Those words and that promise unite every serviceman, from the Continental Army to the five branches that protect our country's global interests even now, into one brotherhood of veterans for whom "mere words" became a sacred trust; for whom "protect and defend" became a way of life.

The first tenant of The Air Force Band's mission is "to honor those who have served," and we strive to accomplish this each time we take the stage. Around Veterans Day, however, we focus with particular intent on honoring our fellow service members past and present, not only from the Air Force but from all branches of America's armed forces. The Band will be particularly busy this year during the week surrounding Veterans Day, presenting 12 performances in eight days from Nov. 8 to Nov. 15. The full list of performances, groups and locations follows:

Singing Sergeants Vocalist
Sunday, Nov. 8 - 1 p.m.
National Anthem
New England Patriots vs. Washington Redskins


Brass Quintet
Sunday, Nov. 8 - 1 p.m.
Armed Forces Medley during halftime
Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Oakland Raiders
Military Appreciation Game


Celtic Aire
Sunday, Nov. 8 - 3:30 p.m.
National Anthem
N.Y. Knicks vs. Los Angeles Lakers
Veterans Appreciation game


Concert Band
Tuesday, Nov. 10 - 7 p.m.
Veterans Day Concert
Weinberg Center for the Arts
Frederick, Maryland


U.S. Air Force Studio Orchestra
Tuesday, Nov. 10 - 8 p.m.
"America's Veterans - A Musical Tribute"
Maryland Public Television (MPT-HD)


Brass Quintet & Solo Vocalist
Wednesday, Nov. 11 - 11 a.m.
Veterans Day Ceremony
Air Force Memorial


Air Force Strings
Wednesday, Nov. 11 - 3 p.m.
Veterans Day Concert
George Washington's Mount Vernon, Virginia


Concert Band
Wednesday, Nov. 11 - 7 p.m
Veterans Day Concert
Todd Performing Arts Center, Chesapeake College
Wye Mills, Maryland


U.S. Air Force Studio Orchestra
Wednesday, Nov. 11 - 8 p.m. (MPT-2) & 12 a.m. (MPT-HD)
"America's Veterans - A Musical Tribute"
Maryland Public Television


U.S. Air Force Brass Quintet
Thursday, Nov. 12 - 7:30 p.m.
A Veterans Day Tribute
Jewish Community Center of Greater Washington
Rockville, Maryland


Max Impact
Sunday, Nov. 15 - 4:25 p.m.
Anthem/Halftime Show
New York Giants vs. New England Patriots
Veterans Appreciation Game


As you can see, there are many, many opportunities to tune in, or better yet, join us in person as we celebrate "the giants upon whose shoulders we stand," as well as our brothers and sisters who currently serve in every capacity to defend our great nation and our way of life. For the latest information please visit our calendar page, and we hope to see you in the crowd as we celebrate Veterans Day this year.