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Published Tuesday, November 03, 2009 in Local
Photo by Bob Fraley
Northgate High School Viking Band will give one last performance to pay a special tribute to the group that inspired the 2009 show — military veterans and their families — Tuesday at 7 p.m. at Henry Seldon Field at the Northgate campus.
Tribute to veterans tonight by Northgate High Viking Band
By Alex McRae
The Times-Herald
Tonight at 7 p.m. the Northgate High School Viking Band will take the field for one last performance to pay a special tribute to the group that inspired the 2009 show -- military veterans and their families.
The 2009 marching show, titled "Heroes: Then, Now, Forever ..." lasts approximately 15 minutes. Tonight's show will begin at 7 p.m. at Seldon Field and there is no admission charge. Veterans, their families, supporters of the Viking Band and anyone else who wants to honor our veterans are invited to attend, according to Alan Armstrong, Northgate's director of bands.
Armstrong called the 2009 show "a tribute to our military veterans and their families who are serving or who have served and made so many sacrifices to defend our freedom.
"This year has been more than just a field show for our kids," Armstrong said. "We spent time bringing in some of our alumni who are on active duty in Iraq and some other military veterans to speak to the kids about why they chose to serve and what it is or was like for them."
Armstrong said two fathers gave boots and helmets to use in the final tribute moment in the show. One father gave the actual boots he wore while serving in Iraq.
"We also got our ROTC program involved in the final tribute moment," Armstrong said, "and that has been special for them and for us."
Armstrong said the 2009 show theme was chosen "to help our students personalize" the sacrifices veterans make and not have their service be such an abstract concept.
"I think we have been able to do that at least on some level," Armstrong said. "We hope that the veterans in our community and their families can come share a few minutes with us Tuesday night and allow us to honor them with this performance."
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I wish I could have been there. It sounds awesome. My Grandson is in the band and I am very proud that he participated and showed his own pride and gratitude.
Posted by Karen Stroud at 8:28 AM
Wow, Simply amazing. If there was a dry eye in the house tonight when you were done, they have no soul. Thank you for honoring our veterans and thank you to the Armstrongs and staff for continuing to deliver a TOTAL education to our kids. They learned music and routines, but it's obvious they learned a lot more than that this year.
Posted by John at 12:49 AM
While this is terribly understated...to the Northgate Marching Band members and staff...well done. To our veterans and public servants who have unselfishly served our country...thank you.
Posted by Mr. D at 10:44 PM
SEMPER FE Band Members
Posted by M.J.D. at 5:48 PM
Thank you from a veteran who is glad to see this sort of recognition for our veterans.
Posted by Danny G at 4:01 PM
This is an awesome tribute to the men and women who serve our country! These kids have worked countless hours to perfect this show. You will leave with a lump in your throat and a beaming sense of pride. Thanks to all who have served and are serving for giving up a part of your lives everyday to defend our country. Also, thanks to Mr. Armstrong and staff for bringing together such a wonderful tribute to our armed forces. Connie
Posted by Proud Viking Band Mom at 3:45 PM
I am REALLY looking forward to this performance tonight. Having watched this show come out of the ground at band camp to what it is today has been absolutely amazing. It is truly one of the greatest tributes I have ever seen by a performing arts organization.
Posted by Art Harrison at 9:05 AM
Kudos to Northgate for honoring our veterans. Seems like that's an unpopular thing to do in a lot of cases. Of course, it depends on ones definition of how we are a free nation today and how we will remain a free nation in the future. I will be there to help them celebrate. Oh yes, and I will be in uniform! Thomas McKoon, Commander USCGA F-81 Columbus / West Point, GA
Posted by Thomas McKoon at 8:11 AM
If you have not seen this show you really don't want to miss it. It is AMAZING!!!! Thank you to all of our veterans and to all who are currently serving. You are greatly appreciated.
Posted by Samantha at 8:01 AM
This is a beautiful show. It is definitely worth taking a few minutes out of a busy schedule to come watch. You'll be glad you did.
Posted by Beth Lyons at 7:24 AM
I am so proud of this group of kids and all the hard work they have put into making this show truly special. Awesome show!
Posted by Steve Woods at 7:09 AM
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Way to go Vikings
11/4/2009
Link To This Comment
I couldn't be more proud to say that I am a mom of a student in the Northgate HS Marching Band. As a daughter of a Vetran, I would like to thank Mr. Armstrong and all the staff for teaching our kids that there is more to life than just winning. You all should be so proud of yourselves for such an amazing job. You all have won the most important award there could be; the thanks of a US soldier. Well done.
Posted by Lisa Stewart at 9:58 AM