42nd Infantry Band Performing at the National Purple Heart Hall of Honor in New Windsor

Get your family and friends together for a free concert by the 42nd Infantry Band this Saturday at noon at the National Purple Heart Hall of Honor in New Windsor. The band will perform music that covers different generations and styles. In addition to the traditional military and classical music, they'll also perform some pop and jazz, punk, garage rock, ska, and more.

The 42nd Infantry Band's history is tied to the history of the 42nd Infantry Division created in August of 1917 and consisting of the best National Guard regiments from 26 different states. Colonel (later General) Douglas MacArthur commented that the component regiments of the new division would "stretch over the whole country like a rainbow", and thus the 42nd Infantry Division thereafter became known as the "Rainbow Division".

They were deactivated after WWI, but in 1943 they were reconstituted and reactivated for service in WWII. They were made a permanent National Guard formation in 1947. They have performed wherever and whenever needed. According to ReadMedia, members of the band not only train and maintain fitness on the same weapons and combat skills that all Soldiers learn, they also train musically. This performance is part of that training.

Show your support and enjoy some great music this weekend.