Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C. -- Five Marines with the 2nd Marine Division Band marched in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade along with Marines from the Marine Corps Base Quantico Band and 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing Band from Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C.
This is a rare opportunity for Marines, as this is only the second time Marines have marched in the Thanksgiving Day Parade.
“Marching in the parade was a once in a lifetime opportunity for myself and the other band members,” said Staff Sgt. Christopher M. Dwyer, the enlisted conductor for the 2nd Marine Division Band.
Dwyer, who played the French horn during the parade, said that he felt privileged for the opportunity to represent not only the band but the entire Marine Corps. “Millions of people got to see us do what we do best as band members,” Dwyer said.
The 2nd Marine Division Band is used to performing in front of crowds, with the band conducting over 300 hundred performances a year.
Dwyer said that the preparation began just three days before the parade took place when all the band members joined together for practice.
“We practice every chance we get and the only thing that changed for the parade was the music,” said Dwyer.
The Marines from the 2nd Marine Division Band took part in many of the parade’s festivities along with the other band Marines.
“Being at the parade and in the atmosphere was a great experience,” said Dwyer. “The Marines in the band had a great experience all around,” said Dwyer.