Albany students headed to ‘once-in-a-lifetime’ D-Day performance in France
Students from Albany will soon be on the front lines of commemorating the anniversary of D-Day.
Eighty years ago this week, some 2,500 Americans lost their lives in the invasion of Normandy.
Albany students are preparing to mark the infamous turning point in World War II by traveling to the Normandy coast to march in the commemoration.
The City School District of Albany’s marching band is known for their grand performances at local events. The Albany Marching Falcons have been rehearsing all year for the performance.
“We started in the fall, advertising to the kids to start with recruitment and things like that, and then we started visual rehearsals, teaching them how to move, what they’re supposed to be doing, every detail that we need to do,” Assistant Director and Percussion Coach Mark Sanford said.
The band was first invited to commemorate D-Day five years ago, to mark 75 years. Now they are headed to France for an encore performance — one of just two bands from around the world invited.
“I know that my grandfather fought in World War II, so it’s something that is very powerful for me personally, and talking to some of the kids here, we’re talking great uncles, great-grandfathers, and all those kids of things, it kind of puts everything into perspective for them, and I think it’s very, very valuable,” Sanford said.
Students are marching in the parade coursing through infamous Omaha Beach — the events of that day known only to them through pictures and family stories passed down.
“I think it means a lot, to go over and experience, to march and honor all the veterans who fought and died so that we aren’t controlled by the Nazis now,” said 9th grader Maria Marcou-O’Malley.
“That changed our world for so many different reasons and so many different ways,” remarked Adrian Cady, a high school junior.
“They fought for us. And now I’m honoring them by playing in France,” said Alexander Wheeler, a 7th grader.
All three students shared family connections with World War II and the stories passed down from older generations.
The students are also performing in Paris and learning about lighter notes of French history, with planned visits to several museums.
“This is a once-in-a-lifetime trip for a lot of these students,” Sanford said.
“It feels pretty amazing. I’m very excited,” said Wheeler.
MORE: D-Day Band.