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thedrifter
10-15-08, 08:19 AM
Fans eager to see Marines
'President's Own' band makes return appearance to Wausau area

By Amy Olson • Wausau Daily Herald • October 15, 2008


WESTON -- When the U.S. Marine Band takes the stage tonight at the D.C. Everest Senior High School Field House, retired Army Col. Tom Owens will be listening for "The Army Goes Rolling Along."

The 32-year veteran of the Army and Army Reserves said hearing the Army's official song was a proud moment for him during the U.S. Marine Band's 2003 performance here.

The band, nicknamed "The President's Own," will take the stage at 7:30 p.m. All tickets have been claimed, though non-ticket holders might be granted admission if they show up by 7:15 p.m. and some ticket holders do not claim their seats.

When someone joins the military, they "surrender themselves completely" and put their lives on the line for their country, Owens said.

"Not too many people sign a contract like that," Owens said, adding he thinks he and other veterans in the audience felt a certain kinship with the members of the Marine Band, who serve the country in their own way.

Amy Jost said she's looking forward to attending with her father, Roger Blom of Rothschild, an Army veteran who served in Korea.

"It was unbelievable," Jost said of the 2003 concert. "I've heard it's such an honor to get them once, let alone (have them) return."

"The musicianship was just incredible," said Steve Miller, principal at Riverview Elementary School, who attended the 2003 concert and recognized a former student as one of the band's members.

The performance is a great way for children and adults to be introduced to a different genre of music, Owens said, noting the quality of the music is beyond compare.

"These people are phenomenal. They're the best of the best," Owens said.

A number of the band's members plan to spend a portion of their day Thursday working with area elementary school children.

Ellie