Band of Flight honors Korean War heroes with music at Tattoo

Published June 18, 2010
By Staff Sgt. Jennifer Kost
United States Air Force Band of Flight Public Affairs

WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio -- The United States Air Force Band of Flight will join many other organizations here June 25 as it pays tribute to military heroes, tactics and technology at Air Force Materiel Command Freedom's Call Tattoo 2010.

The theme of this year's Tattoo is 'Reflections on 60 Years' and will commemorate and honor veterans from the Korean War. In support of this theme, the Band of Flight will present a one-hour musical reflection of the Korean War with aircraft flyovers, narration and original music by composer Rick DeJonge.

"Our hour-long presentation reflects nearly an entire year of collaboration between sound contractors, base agencies and guest musicians as well as other key players," said Maj. R. Michael Mench, commander of the Band of Flight. "The Band of Flight is proud to be involved in this exciting event that showcases Wright-Patt's excellence and strengthens our bond with the local community."

The band's presentation will open with a military music precision ceremony. This reverent military tradition consists of the marching-on of troops by a solo drummer, bringing the colors forward and the playing of the national anthem.

The opening ceremony will culminate in a presentation of the Distinguished Flying Cross by AFMC Commander Gen. Donald J. Hoffman to World War II veteran Ralph Hoehn.

After the opening ceremony, the band will perform music by noted film and video game music composer Mr. DeJonge. Major Mench commissioned Mr. DeJonge's work for the second year in a row to provide a musical medium for the band to tell the Korean War story.

This portion of the show includes narration that paints the scenes of early morning June 25, 1950, up to the signing of the Korean Armistice Agreement on July 27, 1953.

Mr. DeJonge said his musical contribution to this year's Tattoo is a "hybrid score with the sounds of the war represented by traditional instrumentation, as well as the percussive electronics of a prelay."

Prelay is film music terminology meaning pre-recorded, percussive sound effects.

Mr. DeJonge said his composition portrays the "wall-to-wall action of the conflict of the actual Korean War instead of incorporating music that was popular in that era of history."

He said he enjoyed writing for this year's Tattoo because he feels that it is more effective to write original music for the celebration, as opposed to using a "hodge-podge of works and songs."

The Air Force Band of Flight will close its portion of the Tattoo by returning to the traditional military ceremony. After five local Korean War veterans are recognized, General Hoffman will give the Oath of Enlistment to several incoming Airmen. The band will then present "The Armed Forces Salute" in recognition of all the veterans and their families throughout United States history.

The Band of Flight will conclude its story of the Korean War by performing the song "The Last Full Measure of Devotion," featuring Vocalist Staff Sgt. Terra Mason.

Maj. Mench said this work "serves as a reminder of the 'Forgotten War' and of the hope that our nations will continue to work hand-in-hand in order to answer Freedom's Call."

The sixth annual Freedom's Call 2010 is June 25 on the grounds of the National Museum of the United States Air Force. Gates open at 4 p.m., with the Band of Flight performing at 8 p.m.

Look for more information about Freedom's Call Tattoo 2010 on Facebook by becoming a fan of AFMC_Now. You can also follow AFMC_Now on Twitter or visit www.wpafb.af.mil/tattoo for additional event information.

For more information about the Band of Flight and its future peformances, visit the band's Web page at www.bandofflight.af.mil or become a fan of Band of Flight on Facebook.