As America prepares for its 250th birthday, these veterans continue inspiring patriotism.<\/p>\n
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas \u2014 As the nation prepares to celebrate America’s 250th birthday next year, one Corpus Christi organization is showing that military service can continue long after leaving active duty.<\/p>\n
For nearly four decades, the Veteran’s Band of Corpus Christi has performed at ceremonies, parades, memorials and patriotic events throughout South Texas, honoring veterans while keeping the spirit of service alive through music.<\/p>\n
The nonprofit was founded in 1986 by Vietnam veteran and former Ray High School band director Ram Chavez. At the time, he wasn’t sure whether enough veterans would be interested in joining.<\/p>\n
“I had to figure out will they play? Can they play? Do they have instruments? Music? Level of ability and so on,” Chavez said.<\/p>\n
The idea quickly took off.<\/p>\n
Since its founding, the band has performed at thousands of events across Texas and throughout the United States. Members have traveled to Washington, D.C., Pearl Harbor, New Orleans, Dallas and numerous communities across Texas. The group is also preparing for a trip to Las Vegas as part of its 40th anniversary celebration.<\/p>\n
“We have accomplished unbelievable accomplishments. We travel to Washington twice. To Pearl Harbor, New Orleans, Dallas. All over Texas. And now we’re getting ready to go to Las Vegas in 40 years. Probably 5,000 events,” Chavez said.<\/p>\n
The band’s mission is to honor the nation’s military, promote patriotism and remind future generations that serving the country can continue in many forms.<\/p>\n
Nueces County Judge Connie Scott said the organization has become an important part of the Coastal Bend community.<\/p>\n
“There isn’t a single time when this community doesn’t call on them. We have special events that they are happy to come and perform. And this is all free of charge. They do this because they love our community,” Scott said.<\/p>\n
As the United States approaches its 250th birthday, the Veteran’s Band continues to answer the call through music, bringing together veterans and residents while celebrating the nation they served.<\/p>\n
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