WEST PLAINS, Mo. – The West Plains Community Band, under the direction of Rocky Long, will lead this year’s “A Musical Salute to Veterans” program at 3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 6, at the West Plains Civic Center theater.
This free event is sponsored by the Missouri State University-West Plains University/Community Programs (U/CP) Department.
“Members of the West Plains Community Band are proud to provide musical support for Missouri State-West Plains’ annual Veterans Day celebration,” Long said. “We view this as an honor and privilege to perform for our veterans.”
The concert will feature a variety of patriotic music to honor all veterans, organizers said. The band will open the ceremony with a rousing performance of “The Star Spangled Banner.” A significant portion of the program will be dedicated to the performance of the military service songs recognizing each branch of the armed forces.
The band also will perform a variety of popular patriotic marches, such as John Philip Sousa’s “Washington Post” march, and the playing of “Taps” in remembrance of those soldiers who have fallen, organizers said. Feature pieces for this year’s program include modern arrangements of “Simple Gifts” and “Yankee Doodle,” they added.
“We wish our veterans an enjoyable and patriotic Veterans Day as we honor and remember their service to our country,” Long said.
In addition to the musical performance, the colors will be presented by members of the Missouri Army National Guard’s 1138th Military Police Company Color Guard of West Plains. Chaplain Joe Bean from the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post No. 1828 will lead those attending in prayer.
For more information about the Veterans Day program, contact the U/CP office, 417-255-7966. For more information about upcoming events sponsored by the U/CP Department, visit the website http://wp.missouristate.edu/ucp/.