The Lakeland Concert Band performed at the return of the April 30, 2024 Flight to Honor which is a program of the Polk County Veterans Council. The performance was in the evening to greet veterans as the flight returned from Washington DC. The performance was at the Lakeland Linder International Airport, passenger terminal.
The band played a program of patriotic and popular music familiar to veterans for the those awaiting the flight as well as during the arrival of the veterans. We joined by many who awaited the opportunity to honor our veterans. More information on the Flight to Honor program is available on their web page.
On December 8, 2023, The Lakeland Concert Band supported the change of command ceremony for the NOAA Aircraft Operations Center at Lakeland Linder International Airport. The NOAA Aircraft Operations Center is the home base for the world-famous Hurricane Hunters, who protect the nation by conducting flight operations to gather data necessary for predicting hurricane strength and direction as well as conducting other critical weather research.
The ceremony marked the departure of Captain Chistopher Kerns and the assumption of command by Captain Nathan Kahn. Rear Admiral Chad Cary, Deputy Director of NOAA’s Office of Marine and Aviation Operations and the NOAA Commissioned Corps presided over the change of command ceremony.
Selections played by the band during the ceremony included Ruffles and Flourishes, The Admirals March, Eternal Father, Into the Oceans and the Air (The official march of the NOAA commissioned officer corps), Stars and Stripes Forever, America the Beautiful, Americans We, White Christmas, and Sleigh Ride.
The Lakeland Concert Band was honored to be invited once more to support this event.
Vic Larsen, ConductorLakeland Concert Band. Break between morning rehearsal and change of command ceremony.Change of Command. Rear Admiral Cary, Captain Kerns, & Captain KahnRear Admiral Cary presents award to Captain KernsRear Admiral Cary during his remarksEnsign Brewer, NOAA liaison with the band in 2021Ensign Benningfield, NOAA liaison with the band in 2023
NOAA Commander’s Coin presented to the Lakeland Concert Band in appreciation of support
“Kermit”, one of NOAA’s Lockheed WP-3D Orion “Hurricane Hunters”
The Lakeland Concert Band was honored to again support the Flight to Honor Program. The band performed at The Lakeland Linder International Airport, main terminal, on the evening April 25, 2023 as a large crowd of supporters and family awaited the return of veterans from their tour of the nation’s capitol. The band played a number of patriotic songs and popular tunes familiar to the veterans. We entertained those awaiting the flight from approximately 5:30 pm and provided a warm welcome as the returning veterans exited their aircraft later in the evening.
Lakeland Concert Band supporting Flight to Honor 2023. Vic Larsen, conductor.Lakeland Concert Band supporting Flight to Honor 2023. Vic Larsen, conductor.Concert Band supporting Flight to Honor 2023.Concert Band supporting Flight to Honor 2023.Lakeland Concert Band supporting Flight to Honor 2023Concert Band supporting Flight to Honor 2023.
The Lakeland Concert Band was honored to support the Flight to Honor Program by providing patriotic music for attendees awaiting the flight as well as veterans during their return from their activities in the nation’s capitol. This event, including the attendance by a 103 year old World War II veteran was reported in the media. A large collection of photos is available online from the City of Lakeland.
The Lakeland Concert Band provides patriot music for the returning veterans on the Flight to Honor, April 26, 2022.2022 Flight to Honor returns to Lakeland
On December 3, 2021, The Lakeland Concert Band supported the change of command ceremony for the NOAA Aircraft Operations Center at Lakeland Linder International Airport. The NOAA Aircraft Operations Center is the home base for the famous Hurricane Hunters, who protect the nation by conducting flight operations to gather data necessary for predicting hurricane strength and direction. The Lakeland Concert Band was honored to be invited to support this event.
Lakeland Concert Band providing music for NOAA Aircraft Operations Center (AOC) change of command, December 2021
For the last several years, we have had the wonderful opportunity to help honor veterans participating in the Honor Flight as they return to Lakeland.
Honor Flight Network is a non-profit organization created solely to honor America’s veterans for all their sacrifices. We transport our heroes to Washington, D.C. to visit and reflect at their memorials. Top priority is given to the senior veterans – World War II survivors, along with those other veterans who may be terminally ill who have not yet visited their memorial.
