Courtesy of Zeeland (Netherlands) Television, follow the link to YouTube for a great opportunity to experience part of the joint concert in Middelburg, The Netherlands.  I know, the post has been on YouTube for over 10 days, but its taken me that long to recover from the trip induced sleep deprivation and jet lag.

Keep watching the blog as video clips from our trip are on the brink of appearing on YouTube with links from this blog!

Click here to view YouTube video of Middelburgs Muziek Korps and Holland American Legion Band.

Ordinarily June 14 would pass me by with little consideration.  But not this year. How many of us even realize Flag Day is celebrated on June 14 each year to commemorate the adoption of the Stars and Stripes as the official flag of the United Stated of America in 1777 by the Second Contenental Congress?

Click here to read more about the United States Flag Day on Wikipedia.org

The Stars and Stripes may have become a symbol of holidays and sporting events for many of us in the United States, but seeing it waving with respect throughout Normandy, France sends a strong message that Old Glory is still a tangible symbol of freedom and liberation.  I saw more flags flying in Normandy, France than I have ever seen at any celebration in the US.

Memorial ceremony at Saint Martin de Varreville for the soldiers lost at sea on June 6, 1944. (pic 06Jun09)

We’ve packed our bags and are about to climb on the bus headed for Amsterdam airport.  What a WONDERFUL trip.  Keep watching the blog for additional photos and videos.

Please join us for our Welcome Home Concert Tuesday night, June 16, at Kollen Park in Holland, Michigan!

Watch for this thank-you in an up coming issue of the Holland Sentinel.  www.hollandsentinel.com

Following is a message from our internationally reknown director, Thom Working:

“Tonight was our final performance and another amazing experience!  The band has played so well -  but we’ve also had very meaningful and emotional experiences at the gravesites – like the one today at Wassenaar where many Dutch Resistance fighters were executed.

We’ve had a great time traveling but we’ve also grown so much emotionally and have such a greater appreciation for the sacrifices in WWII.  It’s difficult to explain to the people at home how appreciative the people here still are 65 years later.

We’re so proud to represent our country in honoring the brave men and women who have sacrificed so much for us all so many years ago.”

-Thom

With the performances behind us, all that’s left is to tour Amsterdam and travel home.  Hopefully I’ll be able to upload some additional photos while traveling…

All travelers are well and I believe everyone had black socks on at the concert tonight.  (Right, Jack?)

Clear your calendar and plan to attend our first summer concert in Holland, Michigan this coming Tuesday, June 16 at 7:30pm at the Henry P Vander Linde Bandshell in Kollen Park!  We’ll be playing many of the songs from our Tour of Europe.

While standing in France at the grave of WW1 soldier Gilbert Karsten, 90 year old veteran Ray Lokers from Hamilton, Michigan reflects on his service in World War II. Two days earlier, at the American Cemetery in Normandy, France overlooking Omaha Beach, 16 year old Alyssa Katerberg shares how visiting the final resting place of over 10,000 WWII veterens has impacted her.

Ray and Alyssa are the oldest and youngest travelers with the Holland American Legion Band traveling throughout Normandy, France to perform in the 65th Anniversary of the D-Day Invasion ceremonies.

Click here to listen to Ray and Alyssa.