Fifty years ago today, the band's four-engine transport plane was approaching Rio de Janiero on a goodwill tour when it collided with a Brazilian airliner. All 19 bandsmen aboard died. The Washington Post's story, slideshow and video cover the story and ceremony here.
I was a fleet sailor, my years spent with fleet bands. Like many fleet bandsmen, I harbored both appreciation for and envy of the members of this "special band."
But I have come to realize that every Navy band is special. Each faces special challenges with a special blend of talent, discipline and sacrifice. Whether homeported in Washington, DC or Yokosuka, Japan, or afloat somewhere in the vast stretches between, each is special.
Events such as today's ceremony remind us that no organization can lay a stronger claim to the title "Band of Brothers" than the men and women who have worn the lyre of the U.S. Navy Musician.
2 comments:
50 years ago, I was with the Navy Band in South America. I was the drummer that was supposed to fly to Rio. I slept out on deck of our ship (USS Macon) the night before the flight, and when I woke up the next morning, I found that Mosquitos had eaten me alive. My whole body was swollen, and they had to cut my ring off. I asked Lt. Fultz if I could be replaced, and he said that he would take Bruce Young in my place. He was head of the Percussion section at that time. I don't think there has been a day that I havn't counted my lucky stars that I missed that flight. I am extremely thankful for my life. As I look back on those days in the band, I realize they were some of the best of my life. It was an honor to have played in that band. Sincerely Kenny Malone
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