The California Army National Guard 40th Infantry Division Band joined this year’s Independence Day celebrations at the Disneyland Resort this weekend. On July 2nd, the California Army National Guard’s 40th Infantry Division Army Rock Band performed throughout the afternoon at Disney California Adventure’s Hollywood Backlot Stage. On July 3rd, the band performed in Town Square on Main Street, USA before marching up the parade route to it’s a small world. The 40th Infantry Division Band is headquartered locally at Los Alamitos Joint Forces Training Base. The band is comprised of part-time members who are in the Army National Guard.
The 40th Infantry Division Band has roots going all the way back to 1886. It originally was organized as the 7th Infantry Battalion, California National Guard Band in Los Angeles, California. Through the years it has been redesignated several times before getting its current designation in 1985.
The band has seen four federal activations in its history. This includes:
- Mexican Border Service in 1916
- World War I in 1917
- World War II in 1941 (Bismarck Archipelago, Luzon, and the Southern Philippines)
- Korean Conflict in 1950.
The 40th Infantry Division Band has performed for Presidents, Governors, and other celebrities in the community. Along with duties aiding morale and spirit de corps of the California National Guard, the band regularly participates in community programs and with other music groups and bands from other branches of the Armed Forces. This happens in concerts, parades, and other performances (like that at Disneyland) that highlight that the 40th Infantry Division Band is both community-oriented and also highlights the nature of the National Guard as citizen soldiers.
At the end of the performance at the Train Station, it was stated that the band is always looking for more members, as is the National Guard. More information about the band can be found at: https://40thidband.us/
What do you think of the 40th Infantry Division Band? What is your favorite patriotic music? How are you celebrating the 4th of July? Share your thoughts and opinions in the comments below!
