WASHINGTON, September 9, 2011—What can some-300 active-duty U.S. Army Soldiers do besides guarantee our freedoms and protect our borders? They can sing, dance, act, precision march, play instruments in a top-notch orchestra - they provide world-class entertainment.
In an amazing feat of “can do,” the soldiers who perform and support the Spirit of America create a two hour, multi-media journey through American military history, from the Revolutionary War to the conflicts in the Middle East today.
Spirit of America
The shows presents Soldiers in historic uniforms reenacting key moments in military history, bringing battle scenes, including simulated gunfire, to life.
The first half of the show is composed of vignettes from The American Revolution, Civil War, World Wars One and Two, Korea, Vietnam, and our present day conflicts in the Middle East. While soldiers perform in historically accurate costume, a large video screen displays era-appropriate images, helping to set the time and place.
The U.S. Army Drill Team performs in full military dress blues, working with shiny, very pointed, bayonet-tipped 1903 Springfield rifles. They take one step every second, creating the slow, gliding cadence that we see at the Tomb of the Unkown Soldier and at some formal military events.
It is quite impressive to see the Drill Team, under the command of Capt. Chris Miorin and Drill Master, Sergeant First Class John Beveridge, toss the 10 pound rifles over their heads and back across multiple rows to be caught in the air by soldiers standing behind them.
The Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps.
U.S. Army Precision Drill Team
The show also features performances by the Caisson Platoon and the Commander-in- Chief’s Guard. If you are unable to attend the show, it will be live streamed at the Spirit of America web site.
2011 Performance Schedule
Verizon Center, Washington, D.C.
Friday, Sept. 9, 10:30 a.m.
Friday, Sept. 9, 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, Sept. 10, 2 p.m. - SOLD OUT
Saturday, Sept. 10, 7:30 p.m.
North Charleston Coliseum, North Charleston, S.C.
Friday, Sept. 16, 10:30 a.m. - SOLD OUT
Friday, Sept. 16, 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, Sept. 17, 2 p.m.
Saturday, Sept. 17, 7:30 p.m.
Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena, Jacksonville, Fla.
Friday, Sept. 23, 10:30 a.m.
Friday, Sept. 23, 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, Sept. 24, 2 p.m.
Saturday, Sept 24, 7:30 p.m.
Spirit of America performances are open to the public and admission is FREE, but tickets are required. For ticketing information, please visit the Ticketing page.
Federal Government
USA.Gov
U.S.Army Military District of Washington
U.S. Army Military District of Washington website
MDW Public Events
Twilight Tattoo
The U.S. Army Band “Pershing’sOwn”
3rd U.S. Infantry (The Old Guard)
US. Army
Army News
Army Opportunities
U.S. Army Center of Military History
Other Links
National Center for History in the Schools
National Association for Music Education
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