Purple Knights: D–Day vets carried freedom’s torch

In its esteemed musical history, the St. Augustine High School Marching 100 broke the color barrier in 1967 as the first Black band to perform on Mardi Gras day in Rex. It traveled to Pasadena for the Rose Bowl Parade and to New York City for the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade. But, nothing may be able to top what the best high school band in the Archdiocese of New Orleans did this month. It traveled to France to participate in memorial ceremonies marking the 80th anniversary of the American landing at Normandy on D-Day, June 6, 1944, the offensive that led to the Allies’ victory in WWII. Father Rodney “Tony” Ricard, campus minister at St. Augustine and the new director of the archdiocesan Office of Black Catholic Ministries, joined 112 students and 45 chaperones, band booster parents and guests, as the band performed around France in honor of the Greatest Generation. Father Ricard took a poignant photograph of rising junior Darrence Anderson, standing at attention at the American cemetery in Normandy. Below is a personal reflection by rising freshman Chantze Duckworth.

By Chantze Duckworth
St. Augustine High School

During the summer of 2023, I entered St. Augustine High School as a new eighth-grade student. I always wanted to be a Purple Knight and dreamed of being in the Marching 100 band.

Part of something greater

Like joining the Army, I knew that being in the band was less about me and more about being a part of something greater. Throughout band camp, I knew that one day all the hard work, sweat and tears would pay off. Being in the band has opened doors of which I couldn’t have dreamed.

In September 2023, we were told that we would be traveling to Normandy, France, for the 80th anniversary of D-Day. I never thought that being in the band would take me to another country. Needless to say, I was excited!

Preparing for battle

Over several months, we prepared for our trip just as the troops prepared for their D-Day invasion. We practiced “La Marseillaise” – the French National Anthem – and a special song called “Hymn to the Fallen.”

Learning these songs was important because they were dedicated to the French people and to the soldiers who lost their lives. We were going to specifically honor our fallen heroes.

In France, we had the chance to visit the graves of our heroes who never came home. It hit me that the men buried in Normandy never had the chance to hug their mothers again. I can’t imagine leaving home and never being able to come back. I also can’t imagine how their mothers felt knowing that they would never see their sons again.

It was an honor to meet four of the men who fought on June 6, 1944. One of them was Mr. Jacob “Jake” Ruser from Philadelphia. He served with the U.S. 4th Infantry Division. Today, he is 98 years young. I loved talking with him after we marched in Sainte-Mere-Eglise. He told us he was proud of us and glad we were there. I thanked him for fighting for our country. I know we wouldn’t be who we are without him and his brothers. 

One of the monuments said, “They gave their tomorrow for our today.” This reminds us to never take for granted the freedoms we have in our country. Many died so we could live a peaceful life.

Traveling with my Marching 100 brothers was a great experience. Being able to see the beaches of Normandy, the Eiffel Tower and even the Mona Lisa was fun because we did it together.

This trip is now a part of the Marching 100’s rich history. It was our band’s second time going to another country and our first time going across the ocean. I am forever grateful to all the donors, faculty and staff who made this trip possible.

Honoring sacrifice

To the men and women who gave their lives during WWII, I want to say, “Thank you for your sacrifice.” I promise that I will do all that I can to always honor your lives. May we never take for granted the sacrifices of elders and ancestors. We can honor them by fighting at home for the peace they brought to the world.

Chantze Duckworth, 13, a rising freshman at St. Augustine High School, plays the mellophone in the Marching 100.