HomeMy WebLinkAboutRES-2007-062 Resolution Honoring US Navy Pre-Flight Band ReunionORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMIVIISSIONERS
RESOLUTION HONORING THE U.S. NAVY B-1 BAND
WHEREAS, the U.S. Navy B-1 Band was officially formed on May 27, 1942, when 44
young men were sworn into service in Raleigh, N.C., and first appeared in
Chapel Hill on August 1, 1942 to the accompaniment of jeering as well as
respect; and
Wl~REAS, the band members were collectively the first African Americans to serve
in the modern Navy in any capacity other than cook or servant; and,
WHEREAS, while the service of the B-1 Band during World War II in Chapel Hill and
Hawaii was as a segregated unit, the unit's establishment marked a
significant move towards integration of the modern U.S. Navy; and,
WHEREAS, the completion of construction of what is now known as the Hargraves
Community Center was specifically to serve as a residence hall and
headquarters for the B-1 Band, from which it marched daily to duty as part
of the Navy Pre-Flight School at the University of North Carolina; and,
WHEREAS, during its 21-month wartime stay in Chapel Hill, the B-1 Band performed
in parades, war bond rallies, and patriotic assemblies throughout the region,
at the launching of the USS Merrick at Wilmington in July 1943, as well as
with Kate Smith on her regular radio program, broadcast live from Memorial
Hall; and,
WHEREAS, the B-1 Band brought strong African American role models to the
communities of Chapel Hill, Carrboro, and Orange County.
NOW, THEREFORE, be it resolved that the Orange County Board of Commissioners
do hereby honor the members of the U.S. Navy B-1 Band for their service to
the nation during World War II, and their significant role in creating history
and good music in Orange County.
This the 30~' day of August 2007
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Orange County Board of