Chief Warrant Officer 2 Christopher N. Jones of Chatham, the band master of the 144th ILNG band, said this was the third time the band has marched in the Memorial Day parade in Chicago, and that the band typically performs between 7 and 15 shows per year.
Jones said he thought the performance went very well and that he hopes to perform in the parade in future years.
Staff Sgt. Robert E. Reed of Carbondale, a senior instrumentalist with the 144th Band, said he enjoyed having the opportunity to show his support for his fellow National Guard Soldiers and for the Soldiers who have given the ultimate sacrifice to ensure the freedom of the country.
“It is a great opportunity for me to actually be a part of something big, like the Chicago Memorial Day Parade, and it’s a great way to show my gratitude for the fallen veterans in all the foreign wars,” said Reed.
Sgt. George “Chip” Brewster of Lake Zurich, the drum major of the 144th Band, has been with the band for over four years and conducted the band during the parade.
“It is the perfect time of years for the Army band to get out there and do a parade,” said Brewster. “It’s all about the veterans that came before us, so what better way to honor them than to have the Army band perform in a Memorial day Parade.”
On May 30, from 9a.m. to 10 a.m. the Illinois Army National Guard Band will be performing live on ABC Chicago, for “The Windy City Live” program.
photo 1) U.S. Army Photo by Spc. Lisa Laughlin, 139th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment/ Staff Sgt. Ryan Koehler of Benson, with the 144th Illinois Army National Guard Band out of Springfield, plays the tuba while marching down state Street May 28, in the Chicago Memorial Day Parade.
photo 2) U.S. Army Photo by Spc. Lisa Laughlin, 139th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment/ Percussionists with the 144th Illinois Army National Guard Band out of Springfield, march down State Street May 28, in the Chicago Memorial Day Parade.