The Moore County Concert Band presents the third in a series of its 30th anniversary concerts on Sunday, May 27, at 2 p.m. in the Grand Ballroom of the Carolina Hotel.

Musical Director David Seiberling has chosen "1942" as the theme of the concert.

That year and the ones that followed were difficult years for the United States. In 1942, we were engaged in a war on three fronts: Europe, North Africa and the Pacific. Fathers, sons, husbands and brothers were enlisting and being drafted into the armed services.

At home mothers, wives, daughters and sisters became the bulk of the work force. Bob Hope and friends traveled to military bases to encourage our troops. Federal spending was $35.14 billion, a first class stamp was 3 cents, the Cardinals won the World Series, the Rose Bowl was played in North Carolina (Oregon 20 - Duke 16), and the WACS was formed.

Much of the music of that era reflected the times. It was the middle of the "Big Band Era" of Glenn Miller, Benny Goodman, the Dorsey brothers, Harry James, Shep Fields and his "Rippling Rhythm," Johnny Long, Artie Shaw, Fred Waring and "The "Pennsylvanians" among others. Songs such as "In The Mood," "Little Brown Jug," "Serenade In Blue," "Moonlight Serenade," "The Anvil Chorus," "At Last," "Two Sleepy People," "Buttons and Bows" and "Thanks For The Memory" were high on the popular music "hits" list.

In 1942, Aaron Copeland wrote his "Fanfare For the Common Man" and Morton Gould his "American Salute." Karl King introduced his "Aces of the Air" march and Gary Fagan his "We Shall Lift Lamps of Courage," taken from a 1942 quote of a member of the French Resistance movement.

And community bands across the country pulled out the old standards popular during World War I, such as "American Patrol," "On The Quarter Deck" and Sousa's "Liberty Bell March."

On this Memorial Day weekend, the Moore County Concert Band invites the community to join them to reminisce, to celebrate and to remember those who gave their lives and who continue to sacrifice life and limb in behalf of our nation and freedom for all.

The Moore County Concert Band is an all-volunteer organization which, in cooperation with the Carolina Hotel, presents four free concerts each year.

For additional information call (910) 295-2303 or check the band website www.moorecountyconcertband.org.