UNCC Marching Band Heads To Normandy To Represent The U.S. In D-Day Ceremony

CHARLOTTE, NC — After three years of practice and fundraising the UNC Charlotte ‘Pride of the Niner Nation’ marching band is heading to France for the D-Day commemorative ceremonies.

They’re the only marching band in the U.S. to get asked to perform at the parade in Normandy. On Thursday, band members honored veterans before taking off by planted commemorative flags on campus. Each one was named in honor of a veteran.

UNCC Senior Jarod Ricks says he will honor his great grandfather during the trip.

“It’s not just going over to another country to play an instrument or spin a flag. We’re going abroad to represent America and to represent UNC Charlotte,” says Ricks. “My great grandfather actually served in the war, so this is a pretty big deal for me.”

Band members will plant a second set of flags at the Normandy American Cemetery.

They will also wear sashes during their performances in Normandy, each with the name of veteran on it.