The Brother Martin Crusader Band and NJROTC participated in the National World War II Museum’s commemoration of the 75th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor. The day began with a viewing of “Beyond All Boundaries” in the museum’s Solomon Victory Theater. The Crusader Band’s kick-off of the ceremony featured Sousa’s “Semper Fidelis,” Christmas carols, a Navy Band arrangement of “America,” and a collection of military branch hymns called “Marches of the Armed Forces.” The Brother Martin High School Color Guard presented the Colors followed by the National Anthem played by our Crusader Band. Cadet Grant Strohmeyer ’17 then led the Pledge of Allegiance which was followed by an Invocation, recognition of Pearl Harbor and remarks by WWII Veterans.
Commander of Marine Forces Reserve and Marine Forces North Lt. General Rex McMillian, National WWII Museum Senior Historian Robert Citino, Phd, and Ian Toll, the author of The Conquering Tide- War in the Pacific, all spoke at the event. An “Oral History Video” from Pearl Harbor Veterans was shown followed by the sounding of the Normandy Liberty Bell in memory of those who gave their lives at Pearl Harbor. The ceremony concluded with Brother Martin buglers Ryan O’Rourke ’17 and Michael Lopez ’17 playing “Taps.”
Former National Commander for The American Legion and Consultant for Military and Veterans Affairs for The National World War II Museum Mr. William “Bill” Detweiler ’57 SA served as master of ceremonies and initially invited Brother Martin to participate in the ceremony. Crusader Band Director Mr. Dominick Caronna ’85 and NJROTC Cmdr. Bruce Nolan ’90 directed their respective students. The event was streamed live to over 10,000 students, nation-wide, as part of the PBS “Virtual Field Trip” series.
