RARITAN, N.J. -- Thirty-eight members of the Parris Island Marine Corps Band paid a visit to the small borough of Raritan, N.J., to showcase their skills in memory of one of the Corps' most famous Marines Sept. 25 and 26.
They played a commemorative concert and a memorial parade in remembrance of Gunnery Sgt. John Basilone, a native of Raritan. He was the first enlisted Marine to be awarded the Medal of Honor in World War II for his actions at Guadalcanal in 1942, and was also awarded the Navy Cross after valiantly giving his life on Iwo Jima in 1945.
The band kicked off the Raritan festivities with the 15th Annual John Basilone Commemorative Concert at Raritan Valley Community College. The event drew in a crowd of more than 800 New Jersey citizens, as well as veterans - even some who fought on Iwo Jima, where Basilone was killed.
The Marines played more than 10 songs at the concert, much to the enjoyment of those in attendance.
"The spectators loved the fact we were able to perform for them," said Staff Sgt. Deborah Hamner, enlisted conductor for the band, and an Owosso, Mich. native. "Many made a point to talk to the Marines about what a great job we did."
The following day, the Marines led off the 23rd Annual John Basilone Memorial Parade, which took place on the main streets of the borough of Raritan. During the parade, they played a variety of songs, including the "Marines' Hymn," which brought about many cheers from the crowd that lined the streets.
At the conclusion of the parade was a memorial ceremony that took place in front of the "Manila John" Basilone statue. The Marines served as the ceremonial concert band for the event.
One of the Marines, who was given the opportunity to play "Taps" next to the statue, said he was honored to feel that close to someone of Basilone's historical significance.
"I feel the sixty years of history [Basilone] made is great, but being able to be in his hometown and meeting his brother was very different than seeing it in history books," said Sgt. Roberto Roman, musician. "Playing 'Taps' next to the statue was a wonderful feeling," added the Bronx, N.Y. native.
According to many of the Marines, the event was extraordinary just for the fact it was in memory of a hero like Basilone.
"As a war hero, it was a great opportunity for a Marine band to be present at the ceremonies," said Hamner.
According to Warrant Officer Christian Flores, band officer, anytime the band has a chance to play outside Parris Island and among both civilians and former Marines is special.
"There is nothing like being around former Marines honoring our own," Flores, a Fresno, Calif. native said. "We are a way to calm the souls of our most patriotic citizens. Instead of seeing our Marines on television with images of war, they are enjoying the sounds of the Parris Island Marine Corps Band."