Goldsboro, N.C. — In a stirring celebration of patriotism, remembrance, and community, the United States Air Force Heritage of America Band brought its Memorial Day tour to a sold-out audience at the Paramount Theater on Sunday, May 25. With the theme “Honor, Inspire, Connect,” the event marked the ensemble’s first return to the historic venue since 2015.
Guests from across the region gathered to experience an evening of music and tribute led by the Heritage Brass Ensemble, a distinguished group of active-duty Air Force musicians who serve as ambassadors of the U.S. military through music.
Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, home to approximately 7,000 personnel, continues to serve as Goldsboro’s largest economic engine, contributing a staggering $1.1 billion to the local economy in fiscal year 2023 alone. The base’s influence stretches beyond economics—it is deeply embedded in the cultural and social life of the city.
Colonel Richard D. Boatman, commander of the 4th Maintenance Group—the Air Force’s largest maintenance unit for F-15E aircraft—was also on hand to welcome guests and introduce the Heritage Brass. “Our military bands are ambassadors, using music to connect us all,” said Col. Boatman. “They remind us of the values we share and the freedom we cherish.”
Technical Sergeant Melissa Lackore, vocalist and non-commissioned officer in charge of the Heritage Brass, shared insight into the band’s mission and operations during a brief interview. “Our mission pillars are to honor, inspire, and connect,” Lackore explained. “We honor our fallen and veterans through performances like today’s. We inspire patriotism and connection, reminding people we are human in this uniform.”
The Heritage Brass is part of a larger 60-member musical unit that supports the Air Force’s outreach and recruiting efforts across 15 states from Maine to South Carolina and as far west as West Virginia. Sergeant Lackore encouraged community members to invite the band back by sharing feedback and visiting the Heritage of America Band’s website to request future performances.
Lackore also noted that the band is actively recruiting new talent. “This is a full-time job, and we’re hiring,” she said. “You can find audition information online if you’re interested in joining the band.”
Closing her remarks, Lackore expressed gratitude to the Goldsboro community. “We are so blessed to come back to Goldsboro and the Paramount Theater. It’s been 10 years since our last performance here, and I promise it won’t be another 10 before we return.”
As the Heritage Brass took the stage, the audience was treated to an unforgettable performance that blended musical excellence with a heartfelt tribute to the nation’s fallen heroes. The concert not only honored Memorial Day’s solemn purpose but also reinforced the deep, enduring bond between Seymour Johnson Air Force Base and the Goldsboro community.
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