Albany band marks D-Day anniversary in France

The Albany Marching Falcons were a part of the D-Day ceremony in Normandy, France, this morning.

They are one of only two bands from invited from the U.S. to perform on Omaha Beach, where Allied troops landed June 6, 1944, beginning the invasion that led to the defeat of Nazi Germany and the end of World War II.

The Marching Falcons will also perform at three other D-Day memorial events, including one in Paris. The band raised money over the last year to be able to afford the trip. The marching band is made up of middle school and high school students who have practiced for hours over the past 6 months.

President Joe Biden was on hand in France to mark the anniversary, saying the troops who landed on the beaches “fought here, died here and literally saved the world here.”