June 6, 1944; forever known as “D-Day”, marked the Allied invasion of German-occupied France and the beginning of the Liberation of Europe from Nazi tyranny.  In June of 2024, eighty years later, the “D-Day Commemoration Committee” and “International Salute to Liberation” will commemorate WWII and 80 years of Liberation, while saluting America’s war veterans, and our active military men and women and their families. These officially recognized events will feature America's outstanding performing ensembles and JROTC Units and music ensembles from throughout Europe in an unforgettable and historic tribute.  The Raritan High School Band Program will officially represent The United States in Normandy France in June of 2024.   This invitation is based on the band’s outstanding reputation and standing in the community. The students of Raritan have the Historic Programs' highest respect for their professionalism and dedication to our veterans.

Trip Dates

June 3, 2024-June 11, 2024


Highlights of the Trip

Performing at Multiple locations in Normandy to honor our fallen heroes 

Tribute at the American Cemetery ceremonies (Brittany and Omaha Beach)

Tours of French Landmarks in both Paris and France

Transportation, Hotel Accommodations, and Meals

 Security and Translators  


Items Needed

Instrument and Equipment Travel Cases

Uniform Travel Cases

Misc. 

Our goal is to make this opportunity a memorable and rewarding one not only for the students but for the Hazlet Community, the State of New Jersey, and the United States.  The price per student is approximately $6,000.00+ for equipment needed for the trip. We are asking for donors to help with this remarkable achievement. We are looking for funding and large raffle items to help fund this trip.


News Articles

https://dailyvoice.com/new-jersey/monmouth/schools/nj-sending-marching-band-to-80th-anniversary-commemoration-of-d-day-in-france/857686/ 

https://newjersey.news12.com/jersey-proud-raritan-high-school-band-selected-to-perform-at-d-day-event-in-france

101.5 Coverage


SPECIAL THANK YOU TO 

HAZLET VFW POST 4303 DONATING $15,000.00

THANK YOU TO OUR DONORS 

Middletown American Legion Post 515

VFW Auxiliary of Port Monmouth 2179

VFW Post Allenhurst #276

VVA Chapter #12

J Hartswell 

Mary M Nicholl

Terri Mullins

Denise

Judith Moran Ramsey’ 69

Manasquan VFW Post 1838

Fugle Hummer Post 65 American Legion-Metuchen

Carl D. Archer Post 528 American Legion- White Twp

Joseph and Jeanne Martin

RHS Class of 1972

Maywood SAC Post 142

American Legion Post 142 Maywood, NJ

Buhler of Hazlet

Rahway Elks Lodge

American Legion Post 82 Millville

Maple Shade VFW 2445

American Legion Woodbridge Post #87

Ralph W Lester VFW Post 130

American Legion Warren Post 293

Old Bridge Elks Lodge 2229

Michael A Kelly Post 2433 VFW Union, NJ

American Legion Robert W Mills Post 452

Rosemary Mazza

Kathleen Longo O'Connell

Knights of Columbus #8603 Beachwood, NJ 

Greater Wildwood Elks Lodge  1896 

Knights of Columbus Council #240 Woodland Park 

Rahway Post 5 American Legion

Masonic Lodge of Lyndhurst

Harry Kehler Jr VFW Post 5043

Fulton Friendship Lodge #102 

Old Bridge Moose Lodge 485

Williamstown Lodge 166 F&A.M.

Carl and Jean Benfanti

Farrell-Huber American Legion Post 116 Edgewater

Keyport-Matawan Elks 2030

Clark American Legion Post 328 

VFW Post 12173 Tuckerton

Kathleen O'Connell and Members of the Class of 1971

Olive Branch Lodge #16 F.&A.M.

Goodfellows of Keansburg

American for Veterans Hazlet

American Legion Post 115 Beverly NJ

Marine Corps League Toms River Detachment 796

Donna Widmer

Debra and Joseph Puccio

William and Kathleen Sparks

Jean Rodriguez

Daniel and Antonia Horton 

Patricia Klaslo

VFW Maplewood Memorial Post 10120

Class of 1977 Raritan High School

St Philip the Apostle Council 11671

Neptune Township post 346 American Legion 

Mera Family

Monroe Central VFW Post 262

Marian Security

Clark Eliason American Legion Post 352

Raritan and Keyport Class of 1961

Eiger, Lang, and Company CPA LLC

Hazlet Democratic Club

Christine Giordano Monmouth County Clerk

Eileen Corless

Friends of Tom Arnone For Commissioner

Raritan Post American Legion Post 23

Vin Gopal Civic Association

Hazlet Republican Club

All Occasion Limousine LLC

Mr. and Mrs. D.B. Smith