INTERVIEWS - Marine Corps Women’s Reserve Band Tribute - "The President's Own" U.S. Marine Band

On March 11, 2018, the Marine Band presented a Living History program titled Marine Corps Women’s Reserve Band Tribute. The program told the story of the talented and adventurous women who served our country in a most unique and unprecedented manner. Author of the book Bands of Sisters: U.S. Women’s Military Bands During World War II, Dr. Jill Sullivan served as a guide through the personal accounts of those very women who blazed a trail for many to follow. The Marine Corps Women’s Reserve Band of Camp Lejeune was established under the watch of “The President’s Own” to support bond drives and was active during World War II from 1943–45. In 1944, the ensemble even sat in for one of the Marine Band’s popular “Dream Hour” broadcasts, a program that will be reenacted in its entirety as part of this concert. The performance took place in Schlesinger Concert Hall at Northern Virginia Community College in Alexandria, Va. Interviews feature: Assistant Director Maj. Michelle A. Rakers, the Marine Band's first female assistant director; author of Band of Sisters, Jill Sullivan; Eleanor Jones, member of the Marine Corps Women's Reserve Band