The Kansas Army National Guard 35 Infantry Division Band will present a free Home Front Concert at the Jack Kilby Square to honor and thank all those who have served our country. The celebration begins at 6 p.m. on Monday, June, 22. 

The performance is part of a broader celebration entitled Military Monday. Other activities include military equipment displays, the color guard, American Legion Riders, free mini flags (while supplies last), a meal (while supplies last for a free-will donation benefiting the Great Bend Military Moms group), and bounce houses for the kids. 

Each concert will also feature a special salute to veterans and their families.

In case of inclement weather the band will be moved to Crest Theater, located at 1908 Lakin Ave, Great Bend, KS 67530, there will be limited seating if moved to the theater.  

One of the marches the musicians will play is the “Washington Post March” composed by John Philip Sousa in 1889. It will be conducted by Steven Lueth, instrumental activities director at Barton Community College. 

Lueth was ask by the band to conduct this march.

“I feel its an honor to conduct this march for the band,” Lueth said, “I am also very impressed with the involvement and the patriotism of this community that has been shown for the band and Military Monday.”

The ensemble was originally dubbed the 42nd Army Band until is was redesignated the 35th Infantry Division Band in 1984 when the 35th division was reformulated. It is a division until they returned to the Adjutant General’s command in 1996. 

There are currently 49 members from all over the state assigned to the band, which is based in Olathe. It currently has enough members to support a concert band, two rock bands a Latin band and a jazz band.