USAF Band, In The Mood - Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk

In June 2004 to mark the 60th Anniversary of the Allied D-Day Landings, the US 3rd Air Force were granted the freedom of the Borough of St Edmundsbury, Suffolk. In addition to a flypast by four F-15 Strike Eagles from RAF Lakenheath and the attendence of many WWII Veterans, the USAFE Band based in Germany were flown over especially for the occasion and gave a stirring performance on Angel Hill.

I had no idea they were going to be there so had made no provision to film it, but it didn't come out too bad considering. It certainly captures the atmosphere of the day very well. I can't help wonder when the last time a US military marching band strode into Bury St Edmunds playing the theme tune of the Army Air Corps 'Off we go into the Wild Blue Yonder,' if ever. In WWII the USAAF 94th Bomb Group were based at nearby Rougham and many GI's of the Eighth Air Force would have spent many of their off duty hours in the town. It certainly was nostalgic hearing the military music played live in the streets for all to enjoy.