Navy remembers 9/11
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The National D-Day memorial will host the U.S. Navy Band for performance
Never forget — Navy to honor the fallen with a special band performance. Photo provided
From military appreciation football games to the numerous American flags hung around campus, Liberty University communicates a sense of American pride. One way that students can show their patriotism is to attend a special concert played by the U.S. Navy Band’s Country Current at 6:30 p.m. Sept. 11 at the National D-Day Memorial in Bedford, Virginia.
The Navy Band’s website, navyband.navy.mil, explains that the Navy Band’s Country Current is a seven-member bluegrass ensemble that was formed in 1973. The Country Current regularly performs for the president, vice president, the chief of naval operations and many more.
Adam Grimm, chief musician in the Navy Band, explained how some of the members became involved in the Country Current.
“Country Current’s guitarist, Musician 1st Class Joe Friedman, is an interesting example,” Grimm said. “He was touring with Eartha Kitt and was featured on recordings by Justin Timberlake, Britney Spears, Backstreet Boys, Florida Georgia Line and Katy Perry before joining the Navy in 2009. Sometimes our folks are already Navy musicians serving in our fleet bands. Country Current’s singer, Musician 1st Class Kenny Ray Horton, spent several years in the fleet before coming to the U.S. Navy Band.”
The location and date of this performance are very significant as well. The band will perform on Sept. 11 at 3 Overlook Circle in Bedford Virginia, which is the site of the National D-Day Memorial.
“Our job is to help people understand the investment they make in their Navy, which has been especially important since 9/11,” Grimm said. “Our sailors are deployed around the world, working around the clock to keep us safe here at home. That message is especially poignant on Sept. 11 and at the National D-Day Memorial.”
The performance will honor those serving in all branches of the military.
“We take time during every Navy Band concert to recognize those who have served or are currently serving in the military,” Grimm said. “Our tours offer a great opportunity for sailors and communities to come together and honor our veterans.”
Grimm spoke of the people who attend such ceremonies and the amount of work that goes into creating such a performance.
“We’ve been doing this a long time, and it’s rare that you see someone walk away from a concert disappointed,” Grimm said. “We work really hard to create an entertaining show, a fun show and a show that highlights the service of our sailors.”
During the event, the community and surrounding region will have a time of remembrance and appreciation to remember the daily sacrifices of military personnel. As the band salutes the fallen heroes who have given their lives in defense of this country, those who take part will be treated to a memorable time.