VANCOUVER, Canada -- The U.S. Marine Corps Forces,
Pacific ceremonial band performed two field shows at the CanadianNaval Centennial Tattoo in the Pacific National Exhibition coliseum Saturday.This annual event celebrated the 100th anniversary of the Royal Canadian Navy and their protection of the longest shoreline of any country. In honor of the Canadian Navy, the MarForPac band played “O Canada” alongside the Band of Her Majesty’s Royal Marines, the Naden Band of Maritime Forces Pacifi c, The Seaforth Highlanders of Canada Pipe Band, the Delta Police Pipe Band, the Vancouver Naval Veterans
Band and the Vancouver Police Pipe Band.“The (Marine Corps Band) stage show was astonishing,” said Neil Silvester, band sergeant, Royal Marines. “I’ve been playing the French horn for 35 years and it’s always a prestigious event when we get to play with the Marines.”The performances took place in front of 10,000 people with crowds
pouring in from a fair outside. The spectators’ applause roared after the band played “Esprit de Corps” and “Echano.” A unique style of drill was performed created by Staff Sgt. Stephen Howell, a percussionist in the MarForPac band.“The whole crowd loved watching the Americans. The music was beautiful and their marching was elegantly designed,”said George R. Hall, Vancouver native.Each band had their own unique sound and uniform. Colorful
formations of musicians lined the coliseum fl oor for a final tribute playing “God Save the Queen.”“It was a blast working with the [other] band and offi cers,” said Chief Warrant Officer 2 Bryan P. Sherlock, band offi cer in charge. “They’re top notch musicians and high class people. This event is such a value to keep up our military to military relations.”The band will continue to tour southwestern Canada this week with performances in Whistler and Delta, BC. The band recently made an international appearance to Mongolia and Cambodia in support of the Canadian Navy. They continue to live up to their goal to represent the United States and Marine Forces Pacific as “America’s Musical
Ambassadors.”