A new generation of the John Bapst Memorial High School band will proudly be joining the Maine Troop Greeters at Bangor International Airport to greet an outbound troop flight on Wednesday, October 19, 2011 at 9:45 am. Band members, led by Julie Ewing, will play patriotic and rock music for these troops in an effort to thank them for their service.
The students will be joined by Master Sgt. Kevin Tillman playing tenor saxophone, as he did on March 8, 1991 in front of the thousands gathered at the airport upon his return from deployment with the 82nd Airborne Army division. Moved by the reception and return from deployment, Tillman borrowed a student’s saxophone and played a spine-tingling rendition of the Star Spangled Banner in an impromptu performance which was broadcast around the globe.
This event will celebrate the 20th anniversary of that performance which touched every heart and thrust Bangor, along with Tillman, John Bapst, and the troop greeting volunteers, into the limelight.
All are welcome to attend the troop greeting on Wednesday, October 19, 2011 at 9:45 am at Bangor International Airport.
Tillman will be the guest of honor and speaker at a reception from 5-7pm held at John Bapst Memorial High School in the Joseph W. Sekera Auditorium. Everyone in the community is invited to attend the reception. Additionally, Tillman is speaking to John Bapst history classes and will address the school during an assembly.
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NOTE – Due to the occasional inconsistencies of travel and air schedules, you may call passenger services at Bangor International Airport at 992-4600 to confirm that the Omni Troop outbound flight expected at 9:30 a.m. is arriving as scheduled.