BISHOP MONTGOMERY BAND WELCOMES HONOR FLIGHT AT LAX
BMHS musicians play in honor of war veterans arriving home from Washington DC tour
Torrance, CA (May 8, 2017): Members of Bishop Montgomery’s band met at Los Angeles International Airport on Sunday to greet veterans returning from Washington DC as part of the national Honor Flight program organized by the Honor Flight Network. Over 20 Bishop band members lined the arrival gate and played patriotic music for the travelers as they made their way through the terminal with their families. The band’s appearance at LAX marks the third time that they have greeted members of an Honor Flight at the airport.
The Honor Flight Network, a non-profit agency, is dedicated to transporting war veterans to Washington DC to visit their own war memorial. Founded in 2005, the program seeks to offer servicemen from World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War the opportunity to travel to our nation’s capital, reflect on their service to their country, and honor them for all of their sacrifices. The Bishop Montgomery band has decided to honor these veterans, as well, by ensuring there is music to greet them when they return home from their honor flight. Realizing the impact that this opportunity has on the student musicians, Bishop Montgomery Band Director Eric Hankey notes that “while it is always important for students to play their instruments and gain experience performing for large groups, these events are so much more.” He adds: “In addition to practicing their craft, they are doing and learning something infinitely more important— giving of their time and talent to say thank you to those who gave so much for our country. This is a lesson that extends far beyond the walls of any classroom.”