A BAND TO HONOR
A Band to Honor is a documentary that uses a combination of archival footage, photos and personal interviews to tell the story of the twenty-one young naval musicians who were among the 1177 members of the USS Arizona who lost their lives when the Empire of Japan attacked Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941.
After a brief review of the “global” facts surrounding the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor this documentary explores the history of the only band in military history where every member was lost in combat. A Band to Honor details the history of Navy Band Unit #22(the USS Arizona Band).
The arc of the story takes us from its member’s acceptance into the United States Navy School of Music in January of 1941 until that fateful day less than a year later when the entire band would all lose their lives.
In between, our story reveals the rigorous training demands of our aspiring naval musician and investigates their life aboard ship, their training and the musical pleasures they provided to their fellow shipmates.
By July of 1941, while the politics of the world seem to be putting the United States on the road to war the band arrives in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii and the USS Arizona band members fall into the routine of being navy musicians. We examine life for the boys of the band on the island and of their participation in the Fleet Recreation musical program - The Battle of Music – A contest between 18 military bands stationed at Pearl Harbor in the Fall of 1941.
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December 7, 1941, arrives and the final few hours of the band is detailed. Once the history of the USS Arizona Band is complete, the projects focus shifts to the efforts that have been made to memorialize the events of that tragic day. Our Documentary explores the details surrounding the birth of the USS Arizona Memorial, and we honor and recognize several other organizations and people who have worked extremely hard to remember, honor and understand the sacrifices made by the men and women from America’s Greatest Generation who unselfishly served our country to ensure our countries freedom.
Navy Band Unit 22
Age 31 Ashland, Kentucky Band Master
Age 21 Waynesville, Missouri Cornet, Singer
Age 19 East Meadow, Long Island, New York French Horn
Age 21 Plainfield, New Jersey French Horn, Cornet
Age 19 North Merrick, Long Island, New York Clarinet, Saxophone
Age 19 East Moline, Illinois Clarinet, Saxophone, Hawaiian Guitar
Age 20 Harvey, Illinois Clarinet, Saxophone
Age 21 North Kansas City, Missouri Clarinet, Saxophone, Flute
Age 19 Athens, Pennsylvania Trombone
Age 22 Marion, Indiana Clarinet, Saxophone, Hawaiian Guitar
Age 25 Louisville, Kentucky Drums
Age 17 Shades Mountain, Alabama Cornet + most instruments
Age 19 Erie, Pennsylvania Cornet
Age 20 Astoria, Long Island, New York Cornet, Music Arranger
Age 26 Newark, Nebraska Baritone,Tuba
Age 21 Lindsay, California Clarinet, Saxophone
Age 22 Long Beach, California Trombone, Accordion
Age 19 Pasadena, Texas Trombone
Age 21 Bountiful, Utah Drums, Piano
Age 23 Cincinnati, Ohio Brass Horn, String Bass
Age 19 Okmulgee, Oklahoma Cornet, French Horn, Baritone, Violin