Morgan State University’s Magnificent Marching Machine made history this past weekend as it became the first HBCU to participate in the 80th annual D-Day Parade in Normandy, France putting HBCU band culture on the map on an international level.
For those who don’t know, D-Day was a significant invasion and the beginning of Allied operations on June 6, 1944. This invasion would ultimately liberate Western Europe, defeat Nazi Germany, and end the Second World War. According to The D-Day Story, there were 150,000 Allied troops landed in Normandy on this day, close to 73,000 of them being Americans. The term “D” does not stand for anything specific like destruction or deliverance but for “day” meaning the initial day when a military operation begins. As the days increase another number is added with the D, for example, D+1, D+2, etc.
Many Gen-Z students, like those marching at Morgan State, most likely had great-grandparents who may have been in this significant battle. In an interview with CBS affiliate WJZ, Jorim E. Reid Sr. D.M.A, Director of Bands at Morgan State mentioned the importance of educating students beforehand and that this was more than a performance stating, “Our students have been prepared and educated on what this means.”
Going further he emphasized the significance of his very own grandfather surviving the fight. His grandfather fought in WWII and arrived not too far from the beach that the band would be performing at. Reid mentioned, “I would not be here if he hadn’t survived.”
For this group of 150 musicians, this was a monumental performance that honored those who played a pivotal role in world history while also being part of history themselves. A sophomore in the band mentioned, “to just be a part of the first HBCUs to do this Normandy D-Day Parade— is a very blessed opportunity.”
With such a historical performance Reid mentioned that this performance pays homage to the roots of marching bands as a whole and that they all stem from the military. An aspect is often overlooked by many, adding “the traditions of the syncopated movements, the regimented activities, the discipline, the flair, the dignity has already been attributed to marching bands.” Marching bands in the HBCU community are especially known for their elaborate field shows and high-step marching style. MSU gave the world a glance into HBCU band culture and performed “America the Beautiful ” and “Taps” during this parade.
Beyond their parade performance, the Magnificent Marching Machine also performed at Disney in Paris attracting a multitude of bystanders to see and experience the HBCU effect in full form. In a message to the band from Morgan State University’s President, David Wilson who also joined them on the historic journey, he mentioned that he was “incredibly satisfied and pleased that these students were able to come to France and participate.”
Commending them on their intensive hard work and dedication he added “I’m exhausted just as their president and haven’t marched, yet I am so thrilled to see them on this world stage, in the best Morgan way!”
As MSU makes history for the HBCU world and band culture, we must never forget the history of those who fought in this significant battle for our American freedoms. Once again we see how music brings people together to honor those lost and to celebrate the future that lies ahead.
Image Via Flicker: Courtesy of MSU’s Marching Machine. Showcasing their new uniforms for the parade.
