MSU's Magnificent Marching Machine heads to Normandy, France
Morgan State’s “Magnificent Marching Machine” band has been selected to perform in Normandy, France in June 2024 to commemorate the 80th anniversary of D-Day.
On June 6, 1944, more than 195,000 naval personnel from eight allied countries landed on the beaches of Normandy, thus launching the largest invasion in history. Eventually, more than 850,000 troops arrived and fought, leading to the defeat and unconditional surrender of the Nazi forces on May 7, 1945.
Approximately 140 members of the band and its support staff are expected to travel to Normandy on this “trip of a lifetime” to honor the US military service members whose heroic actions changed the course of world history.
While in Normandy, the band will march in a village memorial parade, as well as provide a musical tribute at the Normandy American Cemetery. In addition, a performance in salute of our veterans is scheduled during the band’s visit to Paris.
Our Need
Being invited to the D-Day celebrations is an amazing honor that will showcase the Magnificent Marching Machine on the international stage; however, this honor comes at a substantial cost. Travel costs (airfare, ground transportation, hotels, etc.) for the band are about $4,000 per person (or $560,000 in total) for the week. While the band has been promised a substantial donation to cover approximately half the cost, we are being challenged to match that funding; therefore, we need your support!
Please click on the button below to make your generous donation.