Guest column: Marching 100 trip to Normandy shows power of music and history (2024)

As a member of the St. Augustine High School Marching 100, I was honored to participate in the 80th D-Day memorial parade. The journey that brought us there, the friendships we forged and the experiences shared created memories that will last forever.

I have been traveling across the world all my life, and this was my second time traveling to France. Having this experience with my brothers was second to none. Under the great leadership of our band directors, we spent countless hours together rehearsing and perfecting our performance. Then the time came to showcase our hard work while representing our country, city and school.

Excitement was noticeable from the moment we boarded the plane. Many of my bandmates had never traveled out of the state, never mind the country, and the anticipation of performing on such a prominent level was exhilarating. As we settled into our seats, I realized this would be the last chance I'd get to perform with my older brothers who were moving on to the next chapter of their lives. Knowing this, I was determined to make this trip even more memorable.

Arriving in France, we were immediately awed by its beauty.

We took time to explore the area, visiting memorials and museums that brought the history we learned in classrooms to life. Standing on Omaha Beach, I felt a deep sense of respect for the soldiers who fought and died there. The experience was humbling.

The days leadingup to our performance were filled with countless practices and interactions with other bands from across the country. The camaraderie we shared with these bands truly showed what musicianship is about. Despite coming from different backgrounds, we were united by our love of music and our dedication to honoring the legacy of those who served in World War II. We swapped stories, gave tips and admired each other's talents. This sense of brotherhood extended beyond our band and spread to all, creating a very powerful bond.

After the parade, as we caught our breath and gathered our instruments, we were greeted by a heartwarming surprise from Utah's Voodoo Orchestra. They welcomed us with second-line songs, which are deeply rooted in New Orleans culture. The familiar rhythms and melodies instantly transported us back home, bridging the distance between Normandy and New Orleans.

Through it all, I was able to create a bond with a member of the Riverwood Hornets Cadet Corps of Australia, George Aleamotua. We quickly went from fellow musicians to close friends and now brothers for life. Our shared experiences in our all-male bands and the personal stories we exchanged created a deep and lasting connection.

After our last performance, George sent this email to my mother, “Everything changed when the Riverwood Hornets met the Marching 100. Louisiana brought the flavor to the parade and that’s a fact! These boys put on the flag every time they performed and they were without a doubt the only band worthy of representing the States. I met Aidan before we started marching and we just locked in straight away. He is a true representation of his band and his country. We celebrated after the parade, and we now have this untouchable bond, and I’m glad to have met a brother I never knew I’d have!”

He even invited me to his graduation this fall in Sydney, Australia.

Marching through the streets of Normandy, the weight of history was ever-present. The crowd's cheers, the fluttering of flags and the aura of the occasion combined to create an atmosphere of respect and celebration. As we played our hearts out, I felt an overflow of pride — not just for our band, but for the global impact that St. Augustine High School has made through music.

Our recent performances, including this one, have shown the world the power of music to bridge gaps and bring people together. We were not just representing our school or city, but also a legacy of Black excellence and unity extending far beyond our own experiences.