MCRD/ERR PARRIS ISLAND, S.C. -- The Parris Island Marine Band and the United Service Organization's world show troupe, the Liberty Belles, put on a patriotic and festive show for service members and their families during the Holiday Concert at the Depot Lyceum Dec. 9 and 10.
The concert, which was hosted by Brig. Gen. Richard T. Tryon, commanding general of Marine Corps Recruit Depot/Eastern Recruiting Region, offered not only an array of holiday tunes to get audience members into the spirit of the season, but also music from the 30s, 40s and 50s to remind audience members of an era gone by.
To help set the atmosphere of the evening, the Parris Island Museum and Historical Society set up tent complete with old recruiting posters, war gear, uniforms, even an old Jeep. Members of the detachment even wore old uniforms from World Wars I and II.
"We've got a great display, and it just keeps getting bigger every year, and this year we had more people involved, which is motivating," said retired Maj. Eric Junger, a member of the living history detachment.
The concert began as the Parris Island Jazz Band and the USO Liberty Belles, a nostalgic 1940s-50s show troupe reminiscent of the Andrews Sisters, took the audience on a sentimental journey by performing timeless classics from the World War II era such as "Oh Johnny, Oh," "G.I. Medley" and "Sing, Sing, Sing," complete with dancing and costume changes between songs.
Then they switched gears a bit and performed traditional holiday songs like "Winter Wonderland," "Jingle Bells" and "I'll be home for Christmas."
To bring the show to a close, the Belles, along with the jazz band, played a number of patriotic songs, including "God Bless America" and "Battle Hymn of the Republic." Sergeant Christopher Dwyer, a member of the band, also soulfully crooned the classic Lee Greenwood song "God Bless the USA."
In addition, the Belles sang a tribute song for each military branch - Army, Air Force, Navy and Marine Corps - and then asked the veterans from each branch of service to stand so they could be recognized.
For their encore, the Belles performed "Here Comes Santa Claus," and Old Saint Nick made a personal appearance to pass out candy canes and spread a little more holiday cheer.
The concert, which has been performed for the last three years, was well received by audience members who came to see it. For some, this was their second or third time watching the Liberty Belles perform with he Parris Island Jazz Band.
"I loved it; it's always good - the music, the band, the chorus," said Col. Mark Triplett, operations and training officer for G-3. "The band was on tonight - they were on fire - and the Liberty Belles are always entertaining."
"It gave me a glimpse of what my grandfather went through; he was a Marine in the Second World War," said Lance Cpl. Christopher Cardona, an aviation ordnance technician for Marine All Weather Fighter Attack Squadron 533 on Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, who is also a member of the living history detachment.
Not only did the audience have a good time, but members of the jazz band enjoyed performing the concert as well.
"It was pretty groovy; I dug it," said Cpl. Tyler Groft, jazz pianist for the band. "It had a good flow. Everybody worked really well this year and the crowd was really receptive, so it was a lot of fun to play."