80th anniversary of D-Day in Normandy, France | June 6, 2024

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Festive Brass of Myrtle Beach Honors WWII Veterans at 80th Anniversary of D-Day in Normandy, France

Myrtle Beach, SC — The Festive Brass of Myrtle Beach is proud to announce its upcoming journey to Normandy, France, from June 4th to June 12th, 2024, to pay tribute to the heroes of World War II at the 80th Anniversary of D-Day. This remarkable trip includes three concerts, commemorating the sacrifices made by the brave men and women who fought for freedom.

Less than 1 percent of the 16.4 million Americans who served in WWII are alive today, according to the National WWII Museum of New Orleans, and approximately 130 WWII veterans are lost each day. In recognition of their valor and service, the Festive Brass is honored to participate in the Music Celebrations International D-Day 80 Concert Series.

The Festive Brass will perform three concerts in France, beginning with a special performance on June 6th, D-Day, at Port en Bessin. This will be followed by a concert on June 7th in the town square of Trevieres as the featured band for the town's Liberation Daycelebration. The band will conclude its tour with a concert on June 10th at the Luxembourg Gardens in Paris, France. 

Jason Coker, President of the Festive Brass stated, “Having the opportunity to be present in Normandy to pay tribute to the more than 29,000 fallen Americans and perform for their families aligns with our mission to honor their legacy and serve our veterans through music. This invitation is a great honor for us, and we look forward to being a part of this historic event.”

The Festive Brass will participate in a wreath-laying ceremony at the Normandy American Cemetery. The Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial in France is in Colleville-sur-Mer, on the site of the temporary American St. Laurent Cemetery, established by the U.S. First Army on June 8, 1944, as the first American cemetery on European soil in World War II. The cemetery sits on a bluff overlooking the bitterly contested Omaha Beach.

Leading up to this historic trip, the Festive Brass will present Tribute Concerts in Myrtle Beach and surrounding areas to preview the music they will perform in France:

· May 12, 2024 | 4 p.m.
Normandy Tribute Concert to D-Day 80
Seaside United Methodist Church in Sunset Beach, NC

· May 27, 2024 | 10:30 a.m. - Noon
City of Myrtle Beach Memorial Day Ceremony
Myrtle Beach Convention Center

· May 28, 2024 | 7 p.m.
Normandy Tribute Concert to D-Day 80 

Myrtle Beach Convention Center in partnership with the City of Myrtle Beach

The Festive Brass, founded by veterans, is an all-volunteer brass band dedicated to honoring military veterans. Established in 1998, the Festive Brass is now in its 26th performance season and continues to inspire audiences with their patriotic and heartfelt performances.

For more information about the Festive Brass and their upcoming events, please visit www.festivebrass.org or contact Jason Coker, President at festivebrassmb@gmail.com.

Media Contact: Jennifer Egan, Director of Communications, Festive Brass of Myrtle Beach Phone: (843) 254-0800; Email: jegan623@gmail.com.

About Festive Brass of Myrtle Beach:

The Festive Brass of Myrtle Beach is an all-volunteer brass band founded by veterans, dedicated to honoring all military veterans through musical performances. Established in 1998, the band is now in its 26th performance season. The mission of the group is, “to bring the community together as a British-style brass band with volunteer musicians to support the City of Myrtle Beach and the Grand Strand at all ceremonial events that celebrate our veterans past and present. We are rooted in our nation’s musical history by playing traditional marches, patriotic music, military service songs, classical works, big band, and more.” In December of 2021, the Festive Brass traveled to Honolulu, Hawaii to perform for the 80th Anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor.

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