The 65-member band and about 15 family members will travel to France and perform music for official ceremonies to commemorate the landing of Allied troops in Western Europe on its 82nd anniversary.

An anonymous local veteran recommended the band to the Veteran’s Affairs Office in Washington, D.C. Stephens said he has “no idea” who helped secure this “once in a lifetime opportunity” for the band.

“We are extremely honored to represent not only community bands but also the U.S. on the America 250 Years Celebration,” Stephens said. “There will be an increased presence from the U.S. since it will be a joint celebration of (D-Day) and the 250th anniversary (of the U.S. Constitution).”

At the band’s last concert at Canal Basin Park in Hollidaysburg, Stephens said he tried to express the band’s gratitude to the anonymous veteran, who he suspected was in the audience.

Hollidaysburg Community Band director Doug Stephens conducts the group during practice. The band has been invited to France to perform during D-Day ceremonies in June 2026. Mirror photo by Holly Claycomb

“It’s hard to put into words how appreciative we are. We’d like to thank the person in person … it’s difficult to come up with the words that are grandiose enough to express … it’s a once in a lifetime experience and if they are ever willing to make themselves known, we’d like to thank them properly.”

Founded as the Hollidaysburg Alumni Band in 1953 by Elliott Treese, its name was changed to the Hollidaysburg Community Band to better reflect the diversity of its members who come from throughout the region.

Band Treasurer Terry Wilt has played and been an officer since the band’s inception in 1953.

“We’re really excited,” said Wilt, who recently turned 89 years old. “I’m so happy for the band and for the community. It’s so good for the town.”

Wilt, who served two years in the Army at the end of the Korean War, is looking forward to seeing the beaches and the battlefields, as well as the final resting place for the soldiers.

Stephens has served as the band’s director since 2006. As far as he is aware, this trip marks the band’s first performances outside the United States. The band’s last trip was in 2016 when they performed in front of the Lincoln Memorial.

The band will perform four times, including a half-hour performance on June 6. The musical selections are not yet final, Stephens said, but will be patriotic in nature and celebrate American composers. They will also perform with other bands and choruses, which he estimated to number about 800 musicians.

Tour stops include the beaches of Normandy, France, where on June 6, 1944, Allied forces stormed the beaches in an historic effort to liberate Western Europe from the occupation of Nazi Germany.

They will also visit the historic village of Sainte-Mere-Eglise and perform in the town square as part of the International Salute to Liberation. While not a marching band, the HCB will be part of the D-Day Memorial Parade and Ceremony. The Memorial Ceremonies are officially recognized by French government officials along with the Superintendents of both the Normandy American and Brittany American Cemeteries. The visit concludes with a public performance near the Eiffel Tower in Paris.

Members excited

Community Band members range in age from 12 and up.

Terry Wilt is one of the most tenured members and has performed in all 73 seasons. He has signed up for the trip, Stephens said.

One of the younger band members, trumpet player Ethan Donlan, 16, who will soon start his junior year at Hollidaysburg Area Senior High School, will experience his first flight and trip overseas. He’ll be accompanied by his dad, Rob Donlan.

Ethan of Duncansville has been taking trumpet lessons since fifth grade. He joined the community band as a freshman upon the recommendation of his junior high band director and others.

“I’m looking forward to seeing the historical sites and playing to honor all the fallen soldiers who fought for our freedom,” he said.

The extra practice and performance time “helps (him) grow as a musician,” he said.

Band member Maureen Lightner moved to the area in 2003 and joined the band. While she’s retired from teaching music, the band provides her with the opportunity to play with a group without having to lead it and be in front. She plans to go to France. She is the daughter of two Navy veterans who served stateside during the Vietnam War.

“I’m excited the most about being on the beach in Normandy. I have such a great respect for veterans and especially World War II veterans. It’s an amazing opportunity to travel internationally,” she said. “Going to Paris is the icing on the cake.”

Stephens said his grandfather George Washington Stephens served as cook in the Army during World War II. He’s also had aunts, uncles and cousins serve in the military, and he attended Valley Forge Military College out of high school.

The tour is organized by Historic Programs, a not-for-profit corporation that organizes programs that recognize the liberation of Europe during World War II, the fall of the Berlin Wall, the Bicentennial of the United States Constitution in a celebration of music and culture.

Staff Writer Patt Keith can be reached at 814-949-7030.

If you go

What: Hollidaysburg Community Band concert

When: 6 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 24

Where: Canal Basin Park, 101 Canal St., Hollidaysburg (in case of inclement weather, the concert is at Grace Bible Church, 164 Laurel Lane, Hollidaysburg)