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VE Day Commemoration

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Andy Axelrad
Washington, D.C> --  On Friday, May 8 and Saturday, May 9, the Airmen of Note will perform two concerts in commemoration of the 70th Anniversary of Victory in Europe Day (VE Day). On May 8, 1945, the Allied forces accepted Germany's unconditional surrender, thus ending the Second World War in Europe after five and a half years of devastating fighting. Fittingly, the Note will be donning "pinks and greens" uniforms for the performances and delving into the band's expansive library of Glenn Miller chestnuts to pay proper homage and celebrate "the greatest generation" with true authenticity! Friday's one-hour concert begins at 10:30 a.m. on the grounds of the beautiful WWII Memorial at the National Mall.

Saturday's concerts will be held at the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Musem's Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center - often referred to as the Air and Space Museum Annex - in Chantilly, Virginia. Along with the Note's spectacular music, you can enjoy displays that chronicle the history of man's journey into the skies. Tying in with the theme of the concert, on May 8 formations of World War II aircraft will fly over Washington, D.C., as part of the Arsenal of Democracy World War II Victory Capitol Flyover. A selection of the historic airplanes will be on display at the Udvar-Hazy Center from 10:00 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. on May 9. More information about the flyover can be found at http://ww2flyover.org/about-the-flyover/.

The first museum concert begins at noon and will last approximately 45 minutes. The second show of the day, beginning at 2 p.m., is the centerpiece and culmination of the Note's weekend performances. During this afternoon show, the Note's members will have the great honor and privilege of playing for the Dallas/Fort Worth Honor Flight. The Honor Flight Network is a non-profit organization created solely to honor America's veterans for all of their sacrifices. They transport war veterans to Washington, D.C., from all over the country. Top priority is given to senior veterans, mostly WWII survivors, along with other veterans who are terminally ill. It is always a humbling experience to play for these men and women veterans. From the sparkle in their eyes and often tears that the music invokes, the members of the Note get to see firsthand the great impact of this timeless music. An important part of The U.S. Air Force Band's mission is to honor those who have served, and the Note looks forward to welcoming these Honor Flights to do just that.

The Friday, May 8 concert is subject to cancellation due to weather, so keep an eye on the skies (or your favorite weather app). For up-to-the-minute information, call (202) 767-5658 or watch the Band's Twitter feed and Facebook posts on Facebook or the Band's homepage.