A D-Day veteran has conducted a joint Royal Air Force and US Air Force band in a concert to celebrate the RAF’s 100th anniversary.
On 6 June 1944 Colonel (Ret.) Arnald Gabriel came ashore on Omaha Beach serving as a combat machine gunner with the US Army’s 29th Infantry Division. He subsequently served as commander of the U.S. Air Force Band until he retired in 1985 and was invited in his capacity as Conductor Emeritus to conduct the British and American musicians.
With energy which belied his 93 years, Col Gabriel conducted two numbers including Hymn to the Fallen from the film Saving Private Ryan. He said: “It’s a tremendous honour for me, a very big honour to conduct this combined band. They sound fantastic.”
“I have always felt close to England as I trained there before going to Normandy. We fought our way into Germany until we met the Russians at the Elbe River on 8 May 1945. Their thousands of Germans surrendered to us rather than the Russians.”
Colonel (Ret.) Arnald Gabriel
The concert was held at the D.A.R Constitution Hall, a stone’s throw from the White House in Washington DC. Director of Music of the Central Band of the Royal Air Force, Flight Lieutenant Chris I’Anson, said: “It was an amazing experience to conduct 80 of the finest musicians from both sides of the Atlantic and to share the platform with Col Gabriel.
“Not only was this a highlight of what is a very busy year with many high-profile engagements, this was a career highlight for most of us.”
Flight Lieutenant Chris I’Anson
Director of Music of the Central Band
Speaking before the concert the commander and conductor of The United States Air Force Band Colonel Larry Lang said: “This is exciting for us and we’re really honoured that the RAF has included us in their centennial. It’s a joy and privilege to conduct and work with such a fine ensemble who represent our services very well.”
Prior to the concert, a Joint Colour Party comprising members of the Queen’s Colour Squadron and USAF Honor Guard marched on for the national anthems commanded by Flying Officer Joseph Sentance.
The RAF Regiment squadron also conducted a display of continuity drill to the obvious delight of those in the 3,000-seat auditorium, including the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Sir Stephen Hillier.