SAN FRANCISCO -- The 1st Marine Division Band performed for civilians and service members during the “Honor the Fallen” concert Oct. 8, 2015, at the Marines Memorial Club and Hotel in San Francisco, as part of San Francisco Fleet Week 2015.
“This event is significant because it is our hour this week to remember those whom we have lost,” said Michael Allen, the general manager of Marines Memorial Club and Hotel. “It is important because, as a community, we owe it to them to never forget what they have sacrificed.”
The concert paid tribute to fallen Marines from every war and conflict the Marine Corps has fought in, including the Vietnam War, Operation Desert Shield, Operation Desert Storm, Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom.
“I think that this needs to get out more to the public, but I think everyone who came here today has been impacted by it and it will leave a lasting memory in their hearts,” said Dianne Layfield, a gold star mother. “It is very moving and important to me because of my son who, when he left on a deployment, told me that the Marine Corps is my family to so take care of my brothers and sisters for me. So being able to come to memorial events like this is a blessing for me.”
For every conflict honored during the concert, a different musical piece accompanied it.
“I think we need to do more events like this more often, because sometimes we forget that so many have given their lives over the course of the history of this country,” said Gunnery Sgt. Tracy Martinez, the enlisted conductor for the 1st Marine Division Band. “Being able to celebrate [their] contribution to our country is one of the most important things we can do.”
After the concert was completed, every active duty, retired service members and their families were asked to stand as their respective service song played.
“Never forget our fallen, because they have paid the ultimate sacrifice for our freedoms,” said Layfield.