Expressions of Gratitude

For band, Memorial Day means honoring veterans

"As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them."

--John F. Kennedy

Americans spend Memorial Day in various different ways; from the grill to the pool, the ball field to the campfire.

In the case of The New Holland Band, Memorial Day is spent honoring the individuals who have allowed us to enjoy things as such; our military veterans. Celebrating our nation and recognizing its heroes is something that is deeply rooted in the heritage of America's second oldest municipal band.

The New Holland Band will once again flex its patriotic muscles by participating in the 97th Annual New Holland Memorial Day Pilgrimage and the Churchtown Memorial Day Observance. Beginning at 7:00 AM, members of the New Holland Band and the New Holland United Veteran's Council will visit 13 cemeteries across Eastern Lancaster County to remember those who have fought for our nation’s freedom. The band will provide ceremonial music at each cemetery, and one of the trumpet players will play “Taps” after a 21-Gun Salute at the grave of the service member being recognized. The Memorial Day Pilgrimage will conclude at the New Holland Memorial Community Park, which will also include a guest speaker.

During the evening, the band will head to Churchtown for the annual Churchtown Memorial Day Observance. The band will partner with the ELANCO School District Elementary Spartan Band for its annual Memorial Day Concert followed by a parade down Main Street, 3 cemetery visits, and a guest speaker.

New Holland Memorial Day Pilgrimage

Date: Monday May 27, 2019

Time: 7:00 AM

Click Here for Schedule

Churchtown Memorial Day Observance

Date: Monday May 27, 2019

Time: 6:15 PM

Click Here for Directions

Mission: "To preserve, maintain and advance its historical tradition of providing live performance of the highest quality band literature performed at a consistently professional level."