|
Veterans’ Assistance Commission Superintendent Dan
Benedict thanked the Logan County Board who asked the band to
present the concert. He then introduced the Illinois Army National
Guard’s 144th Army Band, which is currently based in the Chicago
area. The band hopes to soon move its location to Peoria.
Benedict said the band’s mission is to provide musical entertainment
for the morale of soldiers and support the local communities.
The band can trace its roots date back to 1861 when there was the
33rd Illinois Volunteer Regiment Band. Benedict said that as of
1968, the band was formed as the 144th Army Band. The band is
comprised of 33 members.
While the band performed, Benedict said the Lincoln
Woman’s Club would be selling cake and ice cream.
Before the band played, Benedict told everyone veterans who wonder
about their benefits from their time in service could visit the
Veterans’ Assistance Commission office. The VAC office is located in
the John A. Logan building at 122 N. Mclean Street in Lincoln. He
said in the eight years since the VAC was set up, they have brought
in millions of dollars in benefits for veterans.
The audience gave a round of applause for the band.
Chief Warrant Officer 2 Keith Shasteen, the unit’s
commander, directed the band. Shasteen said the144th band represents
Illinois, its Governor and the Illinois National Guard. They share
the story of the state and nation through their music. The
performances are done on behalf of all soldiers.
Master of Ceremonies Specialist Rory Fritz welcomed
everyone to the performance on behalf of the Adjutant General of the
great state of Illinois Major General Rodney Boyd and 65th Brigade
Commander Colonel Max Casteleyn. Fritz said she also welcomed
everyone on behalf of all soldiers serving in the Illinois Army
National Guard who are always ready [and] always there.
Everyone was asked to rise as the band started by
playing and singing of the “National Anthem.”
Emcee Fritz said it is an honor for those in uniform to serve in the
capacity of both citizen soldier and musician representing the great
state of Illinois.
Next, Fritz shared the story of “High Flight,” which was written by
American volunteer pilot John Gillespie Magee, Jr. Magee served in
the Royal Canadian Air Force during World War II. Fritz said at the
age of 19 Magee was killed in action while flying.
Magee’s famous poem is now the official poem of the Royal Canadian
Air Force and Royal Air Force. Fritz said first year cadets at the
U.S. Air Force Academy are required to recite the poem from memory.
Fritz then recited the words to the poem “High Flight” accompanied
by keyboard music The poem’s words are as follows:
“Oh! I have slipped the surly
bonds of Earth
And danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings;
Sunward I’ve climbed, and joined the tumbling mirth
Of sun-split clouds, — and done a hundred things
You have not dreamed of — wheeled and soared and swung
High in the sunlit silence. Hov’ring there,
I’ve chased the shouting wind along, and flung
My eager craft through footless halls of air . . .
Up, up the long, delirious burning blue
I’ve topped the wind-swept heights with easy grace
Where never lark, or ever eagle flew —
And, while with silent, lifting mind I’ve trod
The high untrespassed sanctity of space,
Put out my hand, and touched the face of God.”
The band next played a song written by James Curnow called
“Where Never Larks or Eagles Flew,” which is based on the poem
“High Flight.”
Before the band played the next song, Fritz told the
audience the Illinois National Guard has a partnership program with
Poland. The Illinois National Guard partners with Poland on a
variety of security missions throughout Poland and Illinois. Poland
is a valued member of both the North Atlantic Treaty Organization
[NATO] and the European Union.
In honor of the 31-year partnership between the
Illinois National Guard and Poland, the band then performed “The
March of the First Brigade.”
To introduce the next song, Fritz said today we stand on the
shoulder of those who served before us. The song, written by Samuel
Hazo, takes the listener through the many feelings of the families
who have lost loved ones in war. She said these service members
wrote a blank check to the United States for an amount up to and
including their own life.
The piece, “Each Time you Tell their Story” is a
charge to all of us to never forget the sacrifice of these brave
heroes.
[to top of second column]
 |
“Each Time you Tell their Story” is another song
based on a poem. As the band played the song, Fritz read the words
of the poem, which says, "No soldiers choose to die. It's what they
risk being who and where they are. It's what they dare while saving
someone else whose life means suddenly as much to them as theirs. Or
more. To honor them, why speak of duty or the will of governments?
Think first of love each time you tell their story. It gives their
sacrifice a name and takes from war its glory."
Next up was a John William’s song titled “Hymn to the Fallen,” which
was played in the movie “Saving Private Ryan.” Fritz said the hymn
gives people hope and strength.
Fritz said the next piece the band was going to play takes people
through parts of the song “My Country Tis of Thee.”
There was then a featured performance by the jazz
combo “Close Quarters,” led by Corporal Andrew Norte. Sargeant Chris
Bower, Sargeant Anderson and Sargeant Smith.
Close Quarters pieces included the Calypso song “St.
Thomas,” Eddie Harris’ “Cold Duck Time,” George Gershwin’s
“Summertime” and Kenny Garriot’s “Happy People.” Close Quarters
finished their performance with a song called “The Chicken.”
Beside “Close Quarters,” Fritz said there are several
other ensembles in the 144th Army Band. Other ensembles are the
“Lincolnland Brass Band,“ “Lake Shore Drive Five,” Five Star Brass”
and “Range Control.
Various styles the talented musicians play is rock, pop, jazz,
traditional marches and concert band music among many others.
After the ensemble finished, the rest of the band came back together
and played Carmen Dragon’s arrangement of “America the Beautiful.”
Fritz said this arrangement is played at almost every Presidential
Inauguration.
Fritz next asked U.S. Army Air Corps veteran Bill
Gossett, who will soon be 101, to stand up and be recognized. She
thanked Gossett for his service.
As the band played a medley of Armed Forces songs,
Fritz asked other service veterans to stand up when their branch’s
anthem was played.
Commander Shasteen then shared what the band does and where members
are from. He said the 144th Army Band is made up of a “diverse and
eclectic group of soldiers who live in Indiana, Iowa and Illinois.
The band members are students, teachers, industry workers,
independent musicians and everything in between. Shasteen said their
ages range from 19 to 51. They perform all over the state of
Illinois.
Something else Shasteen talked about is the mission of the 144th
band. He said music is powerful. It evokes emotions and reminds us
of what is beautiful in life.
Through music, Shasteen said we can advance and accomplish our
nation’s mission in peace time, conflict or even large scale combat
operations.
Music is the bridge from which we can build networks
and relationships. It can promote stability.
Through cultural awareness, Shasteen said music can also enhance our
nation’s legitimacy and promote our national interests. Music can
deliver strategic messaging, diplomatically promote peace and build
trust and confidence in the United States. We can create shared
understanding and shared values through music.
Shasteen then said, “we are public diplomacy at the highest levels.”
In addition, the band aims to enhance the quality of soldier’s
lives, inspire members of the military and their families. The band
fosters mental and emotional health and supports the wounded
warrior. They honor the fallen, and through that, Shasteen said they
provide closure and dignity for the fallen, their comrades and their
families.
Military musicians are important to the mission of their leaders.
Shasteen said they preserve tradition while they look into the
future. They preserve the trust and confidence of America’s military
and its readiness.
The job of the military musician is important and Shasteen feels
honored to be a part of the band. Shasteen said they are looking for
more people to join the band. He said it is a part time job with
full time benefits. Shasteen encouraged everyone to promote music in
their schools and in their community then thanked everyone for
attending.
As the concert neared the end, Specialist Fritz sang “We are the
National Guard.” accompanied by the band.
VIDEO – Illinois National Guard 144th Army
Band plays Stars and Stripes Forever
The band closed with the song “Stars and Stripes Forever.”
Once the Illinois Army National Guard’s 144th Army
Band finished their performance and packed up their equipment, the
Woman’s Club hosted a dinner for the band members at their building
across the street from the park. Tables were decorated with red
table runners and flags. There was also a tree on the stage of the
building decorated with miniature flags, blue stars, lights and
white garland.
You can check out the 144th Army Band on instagram,
[Angela Reiners] |
