Sunday's Brazil Band concert to celebrate end of World War II

BRAZIL -- The Brazil Concert Band will celebrate the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II with a free concert on Sunday, Aug. 23.

The concert will begin at 8 p.m. in Brazil's Forest Park, rain or shine.

Director Matthew S. Huber has chosen a program honoring the Greatest Generation which sacrificed and defeated Nazi Germany and Imperial Japan during World War II.

During World War II, 16 million Americans were in uniform, including 52 members of the BCB. Two of the band's musicians, Robert Hoffman and Lawrence Harpold paid the ultimate sacrifice.

The Brazil Band will honor World War II veterans with "The United States Army March" by Darcy, "34th Division" by Latey, "The Marines' Hymn" arranged by Yoder, "The Army Air Corps" by Crawford, "March Of The Women Marines" by Saverino," "Anchors Aweigh" by Miles and Zimmerman and "Semper Paratus" by Boskerck.

Many Americans flew for the British in the RAF prior to the United States entering the war. The BCB will play "Royal Air Force March Past" by Davies and Dyson.

Popular music of the day helped keep spirits high and the BCB will offer "The Homefront: Musical Memories From World War II" with "It's Been A Long, Long Time," "Thanks For The Memories," "The White Cliffs Of Dover," "I'll Be Seeing You," "Don't Sit Under The Apple Tree" and "Praise The Lord and Pass The Ammunition," all arranged by Christensen.

Broadway composer Richard Rodgers wrote the stirring music for the NBC television production "Victory At Sea" after the war in this transcribed version for band by Bennett.

Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein worked together on the musical "South Pacific" in this setting by Lang with "Some Enchanted Evening," "A Wonderful Guy," "Bali Ha'i" and "There Is Nothin' Like A Dame."

If weather permits, three vehicles from World War II will appear including a Willys Jeep owned by Lt. Col. Harry Kirby, a 1941 Cadillac owned by bandsman Jeff Shively and a German Kubelwagen owned by Lt. Gerhardt Wigginton.