UNC Charlotte’s Niner Band Plays In Normandy For D-Day

CHARLOTTE, NC — The Pride of Niner Nation, the University of North Carolina Charlotte’s marching band, are marking D-Day with a livestream special from Normandy, France Wednesday afternoon at 3 p.m., according to the school.

“From planting American flags at Omaha Beach in Normandy, France, to performing ‘Amazing Grace’ at the Brittany American Cemetery and Memorial, members of the Pride of Niner Nation are representing UNC Charlotte and the United States at the 74th commemoration of D-Day,” UNCC said June 6.

The marching band’s 137 members traveled to France May 31 and have performed in parades and concerts leading up to Wednesday’s D-Day celebration in Normandy. This year marks the 74th anniversary of the American amphibious landing on the beaches of northern France that launched the liberation of Europe from German occupation during World War II.

“When you view Origins of Opportunity, you will likely be moved to tears, not only by the beauty, sadness and hope that still lie within Normandy, but by the experiences of our students, as they step into this powerful history,” said Stephen Ward, executive director of university communications at UNCC. “You will be proud of our students, and you will be proud, in a renewed and deepened way, of our University when you watch this program,” he said.

The webcast begins at 3 p.m. and may be viewed here.

Watch the Pride of Niner Nation play in Jardin d’Acclimatation in Paris

Photo courtesy of UNC Charlotte