Photo By Staff Sgt. Brittney Vella | After participating in the King’s Birthday Celebration and military tattoo in 2011,...... read more read more
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NUKU'ALOFA, Tonga - After participating in the King’s Birthday Celebration and military tattoo in 2011, the U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific Band accepted the invitation to participate in the 2015 Coronation events beginning July 4 through July 8 alongside the New Zealand and Australian Army Bands. The event honored the King of Tonga and His Majesty’s Armed Forces.
“We have a long history and relationship with the Tongan Band as well as the Tongan military,” said Chief Warrant Officer 3 Bryan P. Sherlock, band officer, U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific Band. “This is a real honor for us to be able to partake in (the coronation events). It allows us to keep a strong relationship with the Tongan Military, on a personal level.”
The U.S. and Tonga have sustained strong partnerships for years that continue to grow through participation in cultural events, such as the King’s coronation. The U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific Band plays an integral role in promoting an understanding of other cultures and recognizing the importance of the arts as a bridge between people.
“I really believe our band is one of the best, if not best, engagement instrument we’ve got,” said Brig. Gen. Christopher Mahoney, deputy commander, U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific. “They’re incredible musicians. They march, I think, better than anyone, and they show the Marine Colors in a way people can identify with them. (The band) spreads good will as far and wide as (it goes).”
The band kept busy whether is was talking to local schools, rehearsing, or performing, making sure to following their mission to enhance the lives of military and civilian communities through quality musical performance.
Capt. Taulama Aleamotua, the officer in charge of Tonga's Royal Corps of Musicians, said the Marines are very smart and were always prepared regardless if it was a rehearsal or a live performance.
“They did their job well, they stand steady with their head high and (shoulders back) to show they are Marines.” Aleamotua said.
Not only did the band receive praise from the Tongan band’s OIC but also one directly from King Tupou VI himself.
“The king commented on them after the ceremony today, he said he was 'very thankful' for the band and commented on how good they looked,” Mahoney said. “When the king turns around and says it was an honor for him to have them here, you know they’re doing something right.”
| Date Taken: | 07.09.2015 |
| Date Posted: | 07.09.2015 15:27 |
| Story ID: | 169533 |
| Location: | NUKU'ALOFA, TO |
| Web Views: | 253 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
This work, MARFORPAC Band Honored to perform for King of Tonga, by SSgt Brittney Vella, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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