Last week, the Jacksonville State University Marching Southerners traveled to France to take part in ceremonies marking the 80th anniversary of D-Day. On Saturday, the band was scheduled to perform at a public wreath laying ceremony at Normandy American Cemetery.
However, the event was cancelled after President Joe Biden elected to make an unplanned stop at the cemetery. The ceremony was reportedly canceled over security concerns for the President.
After the news broke, U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-Auburn) quickly condemned Biden and his staff for forcing the cancellation.
Joe Biden just ruined a once in a lifetime experience for @JSUnews students and high school students from around the country by cancelling their planned performance at Normandy.
Many of these students and their families paid their own way.
Joe Biden is a national embarrassment. https://t.co/5ZMMVR9CTk
— Coach Tommy Tuberville (@SenTuberville) June 8, 2024
A parent of one of the band members expressed his frustration on social media, noting that the students personally raised the money needed for the trip.
Disappointed Biden's last-minute change in plans caused a similar memorial event at the Normandy American Cemetery to be cancelled, today.
These young Americans worked hard to raise the money to come and to practice their performances.
They deserved better from our President. https://t.co/rjdOqHcYMv
— Hans G. Schantz (@AetherCzar) June 7, 2024
Although the cancellation disappointed parents and students alike, the Marching Southerners’ Saturday wasn’t wasted. The band still got the opportunity to take part in a parade that began in Sainte-Mere-Eglise, the first village liberated by American troops following the D-Day landing.
RELATED: Tuberville takes picture of Biden ‘asleep’ during D-Day ceremony
What a great day in Sainte-Mère-Église!
The Marching Southerners did an excellent job performing in Le Concert de Liberation and the D-Day Memorial Day Parade.
Next stop ➡️ Paris! pic.twitter.com/x2riJBjzz6
— Jacksonville State University (@JSUNews) June 8, 2024
Austen Shipley is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on X @ShipleyAusten
