Arctic Bandmaster: Alaska Day
October 23, 2010
I wish each of you could have been on the delightful Baranof Island in the city of Sitka, Alaska last week for the Alaska Day celebration. This week long event commemorated the peaceful transfer of Alaska from Russia to the United States in Sitka on Oct 18, 1867 and was themed as “Celebrating Sacred Ground.” It is an important event for the country and Army Alaska, so your 9th Army Band was in attendance ready to serve.
During our brief 3 days in Sitka, we led the parade that had the 9,000 citizens of Alaska’s 4th largest city lined up to cheer; played a special costumed themed ball for the city and her residents; performed a jam-packed special concert for the town in Herrigan Centennial Hall; performed a ceremony reenacting the transfer on Castle Hill; performed a special memorial at the Sitka National Cemetery, played at the Coast Guard Air Station's "Eagle’s Nest" for Sailors and their families, and held a special show at Mt. Edgecombe High School. I even had a chance to give a special talk to the music students at Edgecombe.
The message that struck me was " tradition" and how a small community can have such a storied and proud past.
Here is a link to a quick photo display that gives you a snapshot of what occurred.
http://www.usarak.army.mil/main/Stories_Archives/Oct18-22/101018_FS4.asp
or at flickr
http://www.flickr.com/photos/usarak/sets/72157625074983895/with/5097741992/
Until next time…Arctic Warrior, Arctic Tough
CW2 Jeff Price
Stephen Courtright
Oct 28, 2010 2:49 PM