NEW ORLEANS — The St. Aug Marching 100 has returned from a once-in-a-lifetime trip. The band performed in France during ceremonies marking the 80th anniversary of D-Day.
More than 100 band members spent a week performing from Paris to Normandy. On the anniversary of D-Day, they even played for veterans who were part of the historic victory.
“One of the boys on his way back said that for him, standing on the beach was one of the greatest moments because he had the chance to literally set his feet where 80 years ago, our troops set their feet to bring freedom into Europe," Father R. Tony Ricard said.
On Tuesday, dozens of family members and friends gathered to welcome the band home. A second line was also there to greet them.
“We didn’t know everybody was going to be here so it’s a surprise. It just felt very welcoming and heartfelt," 10th Grade Tuba Player, Darrell Richardson Jr., said.
Band members said they felt the support from New Orleans, nearly 5,000 miles away in France. In between a rigorous performance schedule, the Purple Knights were able to soak in iconic sights.
“I really enjoyed going to the Eiffel Tower and seeing all of the different cultures that were there," 10th Grader and Trumpet Player Maverick Gray said.
It was an opportunity they won't take for granted.
“Man, it was a blessing, you know. It’s not like people go to France every day," Richardson said.
The families fundraised around $700,000 to pay for the band and chaperones.
Mother, LaShonda Prevost, traveled with her son who is part of the band.
“Very overwhelmed with joy to see the kids just doing what they do in their element, but being able to bring it across seas, it was amazing to be able to see that," Prevost said.
While the band is beloved in New Orleans, it was clear their talent was appreciated on the international stage.
“It supersedes any Mardi Gras parade. It supersedes any halftime field show. This is one of the more grander stages. This is everything that we prepare them for," Mel Cordier, PR specialist for St. Aug, said.
This is the second time the band has performed on an international stage. The first time was in Ontario, Canada in 2018.
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