HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda - 08-30-2007-3ORANGE COUNTY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT
Meeting Date: August 30, 2007
Action Agen~
Item No.
SUBJECT: Resolution Honoring the U.S. Navy B-1 Band
DEPARTMENT: BOCC
PUBLIC HEARING: (YIN) No
ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT:
- Resolution -Commissioner Barry Jacobs
- Donna Baker, Clerk to the
Orange County Board of Commissioners
(919) 245-2130
PURPOSE: To consider a resolution honoring the U.S. Navy B-1 Band who trained and served
in Chapel Hill during World War IL
BACKGROUND: The members of U.S. Navy B-1 Band were collectively the first African
Americans to serve in the modern Navy at any general rank. They trained and performed
across the region based out of the U.S. Navy Pre-flight School at UNC-Chapel Hill while
residing in what has since been named the Hargraves Community Center.
A historic reunion of the World War II band will be held on Saturday, September 1, 2007 at
11:00 a.m. in front of the Downtown Post Office, followed by a reception at the Hargraves
Center.
FINANCIAL IMPACT: None
RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends that the Board approve the attached
resolution honoring the U.S. Navy B-1 Band for the service to the nation and their role in history
and authorize the Chair to sign on behalf of the Board of Commissioners.
2
ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
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,
WHEREAS, they were collectively the first African Americans to serve in the modern
Navy at any general rank; and,
WHEREAS, while the service of the B-1 Band during World War II was as a
segregated unit, the establishment of the band marked the first 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; and,
WHEREAS, the B-1 Band heralded their arrival to serve with the Navy pre-flight
school in Chapel Hill by proudly marching as a band down Franklin Street
on August 1, 1942; and,
WHEREAS, during the 20-month wartime stay in Chapel Hill, the B-1 Band performed
in parades, war bond rallies, and patriotic assemblies throughout the region,
as well as with Kate Smith on her regular radio program, broadcast live from
Memorial Hall; and,
WgIEREAS, the band was the featured attraction in Wilmington at the launching of the
USS Merrick in July 1943;
NOW, THEREF®RE, be it resolved that the Orange County Board of Commissioners
do hereby honor the U.S. Navy B-1 Band for their service to this great nation
during World War II and their significant role in creating history in Orange
County.
This the 30th day of August 2007
Moses Carey, Jr., Chair
Orange County Board of Commissioners