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Band director Fred Pasqua called it and event band members "should remember forever.”
"This event will bring history alive to our students," said Pasqua. "They will have an opportunity to meet and speak with some actual survivors of the Pearl Harbor attack. They will have an opportunity to perform with the U.S. Marine Corps Band, and will always remember their performance at the Arizona Memorial.”
The centerpiece of the ceremony is the 2012 Pearl Harbor Memorial Parade.
While the award-winning band has played at such iconic venues as Yankee Stadium, Disney World and Lincoln Center, Pasqua said, “this ranks up there with one of our most spectacular and meaningful performance opportunities.”
The Arizona Memorial Commemoration Committee selected Harrison after researching “marching bands of note throughout New York State,” Pasqua said. Only 15 were selected from across the country.
Traveling with the band will be Mayor Ron Belmont, who said he is very proud of the “phenomenal” students. He last joined them in the New York City St. Patrick's Day Parade.
“I’m excited about it – I just can’t wait,” he said. “It’s going to be a wonderful experience for the kids as well as myself.”
Pasqua, a 23-year band veteran, said “excited is an understatement.”
“They will have an opportunity to perform 'God Bless America' with the U.S. Marine Corps Band,” he said. “How great is that for a high school band member?”
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