Military Bands Perform for Thousands in Times Square

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Isaiah Sellers, Navy Public Affairs Support Element East

NEW YORK (NNS) -- Military bands from across the sea services performed for thousands at Times Square in support of Fleet Week New York 2012 and the the Bicentenial of the War of 1812 May 27.

The Navy, Marine and Coast Guard bands performed before a captive audience in one of the heaviest traffic areas of New York City.

Spectators from across the globe traveled to take part in the festivities surrounding Fleet Week.

"We heard the band perform last year and decided that we would not miss it again," said Sara Baynum, a spectator from North Carolina. "They played beautifully."

The U.S. Navy New Orleans Jazz Band, Quantico Marine Corps Band and Coast Guard Dixieland Band caught the attention of wandering tourists and drew them in to the festivities.

"We came to New York to celebrate our three-year marriage anniversary. We heard the music from three blocks over and decided to come over and see where it was coming from," said Douglas Fagan, a native of Chicago.

The joint efforts of each sea service's band provided entertainment to citizens that normally would not have had the opportunity to experience.

Held nearly every year since 1984, Fleet Week New York is the city's celebration of the sea services. Fleet Week New York provides an opportunity for the citizens of New York City and the surrounding tri-state area to meet Sailors, Marines and Coast Guardsmen, as well as see, first-hand, the latest capabilities of today's maritime services. More than 6,000 service men and women from the U.S. and coalition nations will arrive aboard the ships.

This year, Fleet Week New York is one of the signature events around the country commemorating OpSail 2012, the Bicentennial of the War of 1812 and the Star-Spangled Banner.

The commemoration of the 200th anniversary of the War of 1812 is a salute to all Sailors and Marines who fought gallantly in that conflict, who served in all our nation's conflicts since then, and who are defending freedom around the world today.

For more information, visit the official Fleet Week New York City Web site at www.fleetweeknewyork.com or find "Fleet Week New York" on Facebook.